Antonio Hamilton Sr. Steps Up Big in Week 15: A Veteran’s Moment in the Spotlight
The Washington Commanders have been hit hard by the injury bug this season, and while that’s put a serious dent in their playoff hopes, it’s also opened the door for some unexpected contributors. One of the most compelling stories to come out of this stretch? Antonio Hamilton Sr. - a 10-year vet who reminded everyone that experience still counts when opportunity knocks.
Let’s rewind to August. Heading into final roster cuts, the cornerback room looked just about settled.
Five names were penciled in as locks, and the sixth spot seemed up for grabs between undrafted rookie Car’lin Vigers and Hamilton, who had only just joined the team. Despite a strong camp, Hamilton didn’t make the initial 53-man roster.
He landed on the practice squad alongside Vigers.
But Hamilton didn’t stay parked there for long.
When Jonathan Jones went down with an injury in Week 2, Washington elevated Hamilton to the active roster. He’s been dressed for every game since Week 3, though most of his work had come on special teams. That changed in a big way in Week 15.
With Jones still sidelined and both Marshon Lattimore and Trey Amos already on the injured list, the Commanders’ secondary was stretched thin heading into their matchup with the Giants. That left Hamilton starting on the outside opposite Mike Sainristil, with Noah Igbinoghene manning the slot.
And from the jump, the Giants came after him.
On New York’s opening drive, facing a 3rd-and-6 deep in Commanders territory, rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart took a shot downfield to Darius Slayton - the Giants’ top speed threat. Hamilton was in single coverage and didn’t flinch.
He stayed stride for stride and forced the incompletion. New York missed the ensuing field goal, and Hamilton had officially announced his presence.
That play set the tone for the rest of the afternoon. Slayton was targeted four times with Hamilton in coverage and came away with just one catch for 19 yards. The only other completion Hamilton allowed was a short pass to running back Tyrone Tracy Jr., which he immediately snuffed out for a minimal two-yard gain.
All told, Hamilton was targeted seven times and allowed just two completions for 21 yards. He added four tackles and a pass breakup, earning the highest defensive grade on the team from Pro Football Focus. And this wasn’t just a nice stat line in limited action - Hamilton played 56 defensive snaps, 22 more than he had logged all season prior to this game.
Now, let’s be fair. The Giants’ receiving corps isn’t exactly a murderers’ row, especially compared to the weapons Washington has seen in recent weeks - guys like Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Amon-Ra St.
Brown, and Justin Jefferson. And while Dart has brought some energy to the Giants’ offense, he’s still a rookie with the occasional misfire.
But none of that takes away from what Hamilton did. He stepped into a depleted secondary, played meaningful snaps in high-leverage situations, and flat-out delivered. At 32 years old, after bouncing around the league and starting the year on the practice squad, that kind of performance says a lot about his preparation, professionalism, and poise.
And with Jonathan Jones still working his way back - he’s returned to practice, but his game availability remains unclear - Hamilton might not be done yet. The Commanders face a much stiffer test this week when A.J.
Brown and DeVonta Smith come to town with the Eagles. If Hamilton sees the field again, he’ll be lining up against one of the best receiver duos in football.
But regardless of what happens next, Week 15 was a reminder that in the NFL, opportunity can come at any time - and when it does, veterans like Antonio Hamilton Sr. can still rise to the occasion.