Commanders’ Logan Thomas clearly thinks ACL injury was result of dirty hit

The Washington Commanders‘ 2022 season was upended by injuries. There’s no other way to spin it, though you could argue that they dug themselves too big of a hole early on that a four-game winning streak after the bye was too little, too late. Surely, they were going to face more adversity after starting 2-6.

It’s crazy to say out loud, but the sheer magnitude of injuries Washington endured almost saw Logan Thomas’ absence get overlooked. In reality, though, Thomas only playing six games was far more debilitating than folks realized.

After landing on injured reserve with a hamstring strain that knocked him out six weeks, the veteran tight end returned for Weeks 12 and 13 but tragically suffered a torn ACL in the latter contest that effectively ended his season.

Still recovering from surgery, it’s been a while since Thomas has appeared on the gridiron or addressed the media. While he’s still awaiting his return to the football field, Thomas spoke to reporters after Tuesday’s minicamp practice.

Among the topics discussed where Thomas’ rehab progression and whether the hit that resulted in his ACL injury was dirty.

Commanders tight end Logan Thomas clearly think his ACL injury was the result of a dirty hit.

First up, Thomas offered a timeline on his potential return.

"I know the next question is probably timeline. Timeline for me: would love to be back for Week 1, that’s my goal. If it doesn’t happen, I don’t feel right, feel like I got limitations, then I’ll come back when I’m ready…Week 1 would be great, if not, so be it."

For someone whom underwent surgery in mid-December, returning in time for Week 1 would be the best-case scenario. Given his importance to Washington’s offense, however, we’d much rather see Thomas and the Commanders exercise caution. If that means meeting the original 10-month recovery timeline, which would put him on track to return for Week 4, then so be it.

After revealing surgery repaired his ACL, MCL and both meniscus’, Thomas was asked whether Yannick Ngakoue’s controversial hit could’ve been avoided. If you remember, the then-Raiders edge rusher dove at Thomas’ knee as the tight end shifted across the line to fulfill his blocking assignment on the run play.

Here’s another look to refresh your memory.

"“That’s one of those things I’d like to keep to myself,” Thomas said. “I think there’s a feeling in our building how we feel towards it, but it is what it is. It’s football, man. Stuff happens all the time, weird hits happen.”"

The collision was entirely avoidable as the run was designed to the opposite side of the line and Thomas, unaware of Ngakoue’s presence, couldn’t brace himself for the hit and his knee got battered as a consequence.

Credit to Thomas for taking the high road, but his verbiage suggests he clearly thinks Ngakoue’s hit fell on the dirty side of the equation. If nothing else, the Commanders have evident bad blood towards the newly-minted Colt.

While all eyes will be on Carson Wentz during Washington’s Week 8 trip to Indianapolis, it’ll have a ton of meaning for Thomas, who (barring health) will lock horns with Ngakoue for the first time since the devastating injury.