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Washington Football Team Injury Report: Three out, one doubtful vs. Seahawks

By Jacob Camenker

Nov 26, 2020; Arlington, Texas, USA; Washington Football Team linebacker Cole Holcomb (55) and Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) in action during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Football Team at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2020; Arlington, Texas, USA; Washington Football Team linebacker Cole Holcomb (55) and Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) in action during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Football Team at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Three Washington Football Team starters are out vs. the Seahawks.

The Washington Football Team is set to take on the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, and this game figured to be a tough test for the team as they look for their fifth consecutive win. While their defense has been humming, the Seahawks have a strong offense and their defense was poised to give Washington’s offense some trouble.

Now, injuries are tipping the scales just a bit more in favor of the Seahawks. Washington is going to be without three starters on Sunday: QB Alex Smith (calf), LB Kevin Pierre-Louis (ankle), and LB Cole Holcomb (concussion protocol). That’s in addition to having placed starting safety Deshazor Everett on IR earlier in the week while RB Antonio Gibson (toe) is listed as doubtful.

Smith’s absence will obviously be the biggest one. While he hasn’t been great this year, he has still been consistent while his replacement, Dwayne Haskins, has struggled with inaccuracy. Perhaps after some time on the bench, Haskins will have improved, but after what he showed in relief of Smith against the 49ers last week, it’s hard to have faith that he will.

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As for the missing linebackers in the middle of the defense, that will be huge for Washington. Holcomb has been the most athletic and explosive linebacker for the team while Pierre-Louis has been their best at the position in coverage. Without the duo, Jon Bostic and Shaun Dion Hamilton will have to take on bigger roles with veteran Thomas Davis likely to see extra playing time as well.

That area of the defense will be thin and if the Seahawks can work the middle of the field in the passing game, they could move the ball at will against Washington. And without Everett’s presence, the safeties won’t be able to help out the linebackers as much. And the linebackers may be weaker in run support as well, as they are a step slower without Holcomb there.

In short, the ripple effect of being down three starters (or at least three players with key roles on the defense) will be felt throughout the unit. Jack Del Rio and Ron Rivera will have to have a good plan in place to patch up the holes there, and several players will need to step up in absence of those players.

Finally, if Gibson can’t play along with Smith, Washington’s offense could be limited. The running game has played a big role in their winning streak, but Seattle’s defense is equipped to slow down J.D. McKissic and Peyton Barber. McKissic can still be a threat as a receiver and rip off some bigger runs, but unless Gibson can return, the team will have to use a rotation back there and will lack a true, three-down option.

Next. Haskins must show growth vs. Seahawks. dark

We’ll see if Washington can overcome these injuries and stay competitive with the Seahawks. This is obviously a huge game for them, but the players they are without could have a big impact on this game.

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