Washington Commanders Could See a Return from Jonathan Allen Despite Injury Setback
The Washington Commanders may be gearing up for an unexpected boost this holiday season, as defensive tackle Jonathan Allen, who was previously thought to be out for the year due to a torn pectoral muscle, may be in line for a comeback.
ESPN’s John Keim reported on December 13, 2024, that after undergoing surgery for the injury sustained in Week 6, doctors found the tear was partial rather than complete.
This discovery has given Allen hope of a potential return later this month. While there are no guarantees, he has been actively working out with the team and is pushing for a late-season return if he can regain full strength.
Allen, who has been on the injured reserve list since mid-October, still has a year left on his four-year, $72 million contract extension, signed in 2021.
The extension ensures he is paid $33.1 million in guaranteed money, but if the Commanders decide to release him, they could free up $17 million in cap space for the 2025 season, a year already projected to have over $100 million in cap room.
Prior to the 2024 season, Allen found himself on Bleacher Report’s list of the NFL’s “most overpaid” players, alongside offensive tackle Andrew Wylie and cornerback Emmanuel Forbes, who was later cut by the team.
Speculation surrounding Allen’s future grew after the Commanders drafted Jer’Zhan Newton, an interior defensive lineman, in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Combined with Daron Payne’s lucrative contract, some questioned Allen’s place on the roster as the team looked to revamp its defensive line.
Although both Payne and Newton have performed reasonably well this season, their contributions have not stood out as game-changers. Payne has accumulated 33 tackles, 3 sacks, and 3 tackles for loss, while Newton has 30 tackles, 1 sack, and 3 tackles for loss.
However, the return of Allen could give the Commanders’ defensive line a much-needed jolt as they aim for a playoff spot, something they haven’t achieved since 2020.
Since entering the NFL as the 17th overall pick in the 2017 draft, Allen has established himself as one of the league’s most dependable defensive tackles.
Over the past six seasons, he has earned two Pro Bowl selections, averaging 62 tackles and 6.3 sacks per year. Furthermore, he has been remarkably durable, missing no more than two games in any of those seasons.
His performance in 2021 and 2022, where he registered 16.5 sacks combined, solidified his reputation as a top-tier player in the NFL.
Should Allen return to the field, it would be a massive addition to the Commanders’ defensive front as they look to make a late-season push.
His experience and consistency could prove invaluable, and the possibility of a December comeback remains one of the most intriguing storylines for the team as they head toward the playoffs.
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