ASHBURN, Va. — Washington Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen returned to practice on Wednesday and may yet play this season, just two months following surgery to repair a torn pectoral muscle.
The team has activated Allen’s 21-day practice window, allowing him the opportunity to return to the field despite earlier expectations that he would miss the remainder of the season. Allen sustained his injury during Washington’s matchup against Baltimore on October 13 and underwent surgery shortly thereafter.
As he rejoined practice, the 30-year-old defensive star participated in individual drills while wearing a black non-contact jersey for safety.
Head coach Dan Quinn noted that Allen’s injury was not as severe as had originally been feared, and the team concluded relatively quickly after the surgery that his return was plausible. Following a checkup in New York, Allen met all necessary recovery requirements to reengage in practice.
“Just a few weeks ago, we thought this could actually become a reality,” Quinn stated prior to the practice session. “He’s built differently, that’s for sure.”
The Commanders now have a three-week period to either activate Allen for gameplay or place him back on the injured reserve list. He may have the opportunity to play as soon as this Sunday against the NFC East-leading Philadelphia Eagles or could return for one of their final two games: either on December 29 against Atlanta or January 4 or 5 against Dallas.
“It’s truly impressive to see how far he has come in his rehabilitation,” commented Quinn. “There is a long protocol in place for his return, and we aim to ensure that every step is carefully executed. He has put in a tremendous amount of effort to prepare for this moment.”
Before his injury, Allen accumulated 15 tackles and two sacks across five-and-a-half games. A first-round draft selection in 2017 out of Alabama, he has been selected for the Pro Bowl in both 2021 and 2022 and holds the position as Washington’s second-longest tenured player, following punter Tress Way.