ASHBURN, Va. — According to Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn, Marshon Lattimore appears ready to return to action this Sunday after being sidelined due to a hamstring injury. This development suggests that the four-time Pro Bowl cornerback could finally make his debut with the Commanders after being traded from the New Orleans Saints six weeks ago, just before the trade deadline in early November. On Wednesday, Lattimore was a full participant in practice for the first time since the transition.
“We’re going to monitor his progress throughout the week,” Quinn stated. “We’re committed to following every step in his preparation and are optimistic about his return. If everything goes smoothly, he could be on the field.” Whether he suits up this weekend or during their matchup against the NFC East-leading Philadelphia Eagles on December 22, the Commanders are eager to integrate Lattimore into their defensive lineup as they aim for a playoff spot. With a current record of 8-5 and coming off a bye week, the team had previously released 2023 first-round pick Emmanuel Forbes in part to accommodate Lattimore’s eventual return.
However, the news is less encouraging for wide receiver Noah Brown. Quinn announced that Brown is expected to be out for an extended period due to what he described as a “significant internal injury.” Brown exited the December 1 game against Tennessee, which was initially characterized as a rib issue, but it later came to light that he sustained a kidney injury.
“It’s tough news about Noah: He’s going to be sidelined for quite a while,” Quinn commented. “We really value him and his style of play; he contributes greatly to our team culture, and losing him is a blow. Thankfully, the medical team did an excellent job during the game to address the injury, and while he will be okay in the long run, he will need some time to recover.”
Brown, who was signed in late August after being released by the Houston Texans, quickly became a favorite target for rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. He has recorded 35 receptions for 453 yards this season, including a dramatic Hail Mary touchdown catch to secure a victory against Chicago on October 27.
“He’s such an essential player for us,” Daniels remarked about Brown. “We’re all hoping for his speedy recovery, and we’ll be here supporting him. He’s our brother, and we will manage as best we can without him.”
In light of Brown’s injury and possible absence for the remainder of the regular season, the Commanders have signed 27-year-old wide receiver K.J. Osborn off waivers from New England. The responsibility will also fall on players like Dyami Brown, Olamide Zaccheaus, and rookie Luke McCaffrey to step up in Brown’s absence.
“We all recognize the need to elevate our game collectively—it’s not just on one person; every one of us needs to contribute,” Zaccheaus noted. “It will be a team effort; we always rotate players in, and that will be what we do again.”
In injury news, starting right tackle Andrew Wylie has cleared the concussion protocol and participated fully in practice. Meanwhile, running back Austin Ekeler (concussion) and kicker Austin Seibert (groin) remain on injured reserve, meaning they will miss at least the upcoming three games against the Saints, Eagles, and Atlanta Falcons.
