Redskins DL Jonathan Allen reportedly ruled out for Week 2
By Ian Cummings
The Redskins will be without one of their stalwart defensive linemen on Sunday, per reports.
Washington Redskins 2017 first-round pick Jonathan Allen was injured in the team’s 27-32 Week 1 loss versus the Philadelphia Eagles. He was sidelined in the first half, and did not return to the game, thus indicating an injury of at least modest severity.
Over the course of the last week, updates have materialized on the Jonathan Allen front. It’s now known that the third-year defensive lineman suffered an MCL sprain in Sunday’s loss, and that his status is considered week-to-week while he recovers.
The Alabama product was a no-show at Thursday’s practice, spelling doubt for his status in Week 2. And now, earlier today, reports confirmed that Allen will likely be a no-go in the Redskins home opener versus their division rivals, the Dallas Cowboys. ESPN’s Team 980 first broke the news.
The Redskins have been preparing for Allen’s injury. They signed former Eagles depth player Treyvon Hester before the start of the regular season to supplement the unit in the wake of Caleb Brantley’s injury, and after Allen was listed on the injury report, the team signed veteran free agent Ty McGill. It doesn’t come as a surprise that Allen will miss at least one week, but it is notable, nonetheless.
While the team has prepared for Allen’s temporary absence, it’ll be impossible to fully prepare the unit to go to battle without one of its best players. The Redskins defensive line was observably less consistent without Allen last Sunday, and his loss not only decreases the viability of the starting lineup, but also thins the depth of the defensive line group.
Next. Five Redskins players to watch in Week 2. dark
The duration of Allen’s injury, whether it’s one week or four weeks, is a good test for Redskins defensive line coach Jim Tomsula. Revered for his ability to get the most out of the Redskins front, and for the unit’s transformation over the years, Tomsula’s linemen didn’t produce as they ideally would have against the Eagles. Tomsula will be key in getting the players ready, and bridging the gap as best as he can while Allen is gone.