Jonathan Allen gives Commanders fans scare with late add to injury report

The Washington Commanders face a tough test on the road against the Detroit Lions Sunday afternoon. The big question is whether Washington’s defense will be able to limit a Lions offense that’s fresh off putting 35 points on the Eagles, so Jonathan Allen and the defensive line will need to piggyback off their strong Week 1.

Montez Sweat and Daron Payne were equally impressive and they could potentially shoulder a bigger workload against the Lions with Allen’s status suddenly up in the air after it was previously assumed he was all systems go for Week 2.

On the Commanders’ Friday injury report, Allen was listed as a full participant in practice and wasn’t given a designation for the game. Only Kam Curl (thumb) and Wes Schweitzer (hamstring) were given the questionable tag.

Roughly 24 hours before kickoff, Allen was added to the injury report as questionable with the groin injury he suffered against the Jaguars.

Commanders DT Jonathan Allen questionable for Sunday vs the Lions.

While Phidarian Mathis’ season-ending injury stole headlines, Allen gave Commanders fans a scare when he (temporarily) left Week 1 with a groin injury. The Pro Bowl defensive tackle downplayed the injury to reporters and was swiftly cleared for Week 2 after his precautionary MRI came back clean.

Allen was limited in practice Wednesday and Thursday before practicing in full at Friday’s all-important session. Did Allen suffer a setback? Did we wake up with extra soreness Saturday? Are the Commanders simply backtracking on his designation so as to meet league rules and avoid a potential fine?

It’s anyone’s guess, but Washington elevated Benning Potoa’e, signed to the practice squad following Mathis’ injury, to the active roster as extra insurance.

The good news is several Commanders insiders have reported Allen is expected to play so long as he avoids a setback. Sounds like the 27-year-old will test the groin during warmups so this one could go right down to the wire.

For context, the Chiefs and Chargers actives/inactives were unearthed roughly an hour and 30 minutes before kickoff Thursday night, so Commanders fans should bookmark 11:30 am EST (or thereabouts) for final word on Allen’s status.

In Week 1, Allen accumulated two tackles for loss, a sack of Trevor Lawrence, five pressures, three hurries and three run stops, while playing 54 snaps (77%) in the game. He only eclipsed that threshold four times last season, so he’s clearly headed for a bigger workload this season with Mathis out for the year.

Missing Allen against the Lions would be a killer, but if it means prioritizing his season-long health, then so be it, right? Having said that, Allen is as tough as they come. If he clears warmups without a setback, he’ll be out there.