Posted on Nov 09
Washington Commanders face kicker and long-snapper issues ahead of matchup against Steelers
u/alex •
Washington Commanders face challenges with injuries to key players ahead of their game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Why it matters: The absence of kicker Austin Seibert and possibly the long-snapper Tyler Ott could significantly impact Washington's special teams performance.
- Seibert, who has been downgraded to out due to a hip injury, has been a reliable kicker for Washington this season.
- Ott, listed as questionable due to an illness, plays a crucial role in delivering accurate snaps for field goals and punts.
Yes, but: To mitigate the impact of these injuries, the Commanders have signed kicker Zane Gonzalez as insurance for Seibert. In case Ott cannot play, guard Nick Allegretti will step in as the emergency snapper.
What to watch: The performance of Gonzalez and Allegretti, who are stepping into important roles on short notice.
- Gonzalez last attempted a kick in an NFL game in 2021 and joins Washington as their fifth kicker since Joey Slye left in free agency.
- Allegretti, primarily a guard, will need to adjust to his new responsibilities as the emergency snapper.
The Commanders' injury concerns extend beyond the special teams unit:
- Running back Brian Robinson and newly acquired cornerback Marshon Lattimore will also be sidelined due to hamstring injuries.
- The absence of Robinson and Lattimore further puts pressure on Washington's depth at those positions.
What's next: Washington will rely on the next man up mentality to overcome these challenges and maintain competitiveness against the Steelers.
- The team has signed running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. to the active roster as a reinforcement.
- Rookie tight end Colson Yankoff has been placed on injured reserve, adding to the team's injury woes.
The bottom line: Injuries to key players have put the Washington Commanders in a precarious situation, particularly on special teams and in crucial positions such as running back and cornerback. The team will need to rely on depth and the resilience of their remaining players to navigate through these challenges and stay competitive in their upcoming game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.