3 causes for concern from Commanders’ Week 1 win over Jaguars

1. Injuries in the Trenches

The Commanders offensive and defensive lies performed well Sunday. The offensive line was a revolving door and kept Carson Wentz pretty clean and the defensive line, specifically Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne and Montez Sweat, combined to produce 15 pressures and three sacks of Trevor Lawrence.

Unfortunately, both lines sustained injuries in the game, too.

The headliner is Phidarian Mathis, who suffered a potentially serious injury after his knee got rolled up on in the first half. The second-round pick will undergo further testing on Monday, and Rivera said the Commanders’ are “concerned” about the injury. That ominous quote tells you all you need to know.

(UPDATE: Mathis has suffered a torn meniscus that requires season-ending surgery). 

Additionally, Allen, who recorded Washington’s first sack of the season, went down with an apparent lower body injury.

The Pro Bowl lineman walked off under his own power and team insider Ben Standig of The Athletic understands it’s not believed to be a significant injury. Let’s hope that’s the case. Doesn’t take a brain surgeon to realize losing Allen would be an absolute killer, especially with Mathis facing a potentially long spell on the sidelines.

Finally, starting guard Wes Schweitzer left the game with a hamstring injury. The severity is unknown, but you have to think he’ll miss a week or two at the bare minimum. Trai Turner came in off the bench for Schweitzer.