The Commanders fell to 4-2 on Sunday, and their defense may have been dealt a major blow in the process. Jonathan Allen is feared to have suffered a pectoral injury which would require season-ending surgery, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports. 
A second opinion is being sought out before a final decision is made, Pelissero adds. If the surgery is deemed necessary, however, Allen’s absence will create a major vacancy along the defensive line. The two-time Pro Bowler has been a full-time starter throughout his Washington tenure, including the 2024 season which was preceded by a number of changes on the field and the sidelines. Allen has indeed torn his left pec, an MRI confirmed (h/t ESPN’s John Keim).
The former first-rounder has spent his entire eight-year career in the nation’s capital, a tenure which has not yielded much in the way of team success. Allen – who has posted at least 5.5 sacks in a season five times – made it clear last December he was not interested in being part of a rebuild. The Commanders are in the midst of that process, but its early returns under general manager Adam Peters, head coach Dan Quinn and rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels has produced encouraging results. Allen recorded 15 tackles along with a pair of sacks before suffering his first major injury since 2017.
Washington has invested heavily along the defensive interior recently, with Allen being joined by Daron Payne in terms of receiving a lucrative contract. Allen, 29, is on the books through 2025 (although none of his 15.5MM base salary for that year is guaranteed). On the radar of teams looking to acquire him via trade this offseason, he will now see his value take a hit as his attention turns to a lengthy rehab process. Payne, meanwhile, will continue to be counted on as a starter moving forward.
The Commanders selected Phidarian Mathis in the second round of the 2022 draft, but he has yet to start a game in his career. His 2024 snap share (34%) marks a career high, however, and that figure could stand to increase with Allen no longer in the fold. Second-round rookie Jer’Zhan Newton has handled a similar workload in his five appearances this year. He too should be expected to feature more often in Washington’s rotation up front over the remainder of the campaign.
The division-leading Commanders have posted middling numbers in a number of categories this year. Improving on that side of the ball will be key over the coming months, but without Allen available that effort will be a challenge along the D-line in particular.