5 defensive tackles the Commanders could sign after Jonathan Allen blow
By Dean Jones
The Washington Commanders were dealt their first hammer blow on the injury front in Week 6. Stud defensive tackle Jonathan Allen went out against the Baltimore Ravens, which was later revealed to be a torn pectoral that will send him to season-ending injured reserve.
This will be sorely felt on the field and in Washington's locker room. Allen's powers might be waning, but his leadership and ability to inspire played a leading role in the Commanders' resurgence under new head coach Dan Quinn. Not having him to depend upon means others need to step up and make more of an impact.
One would expect second-round rookie Johnny Newton and third-year-pro Phidarian Mathis to fill the void. Efe Obada can play the three-technique from the interior in obvious pass-rushing situations. However, the Commanders need to examine alternative options for backup purposes if nothing else.
With this in mind, here are five defensive tackles the Commanders could sign after losing one of the team's most established figures for their remaining fixtures.
Defensive tackles the Commanders could sign after Jonathan Allen blow
Commanders could sign Evan Anderson
- San Francisco 49ers practice squad
Free agents of any use are a little thin on the ground at this stage of the campaign. The Washington Commanders don't need anybody to start right away - that's a task for Johnny Newton and Phidarian Mathis to share. What general manager Adam Peters needs is a solid contingency plan in the event this second-round duo cannot make the necessary impression next to Daron Payne.
The Commanders would be wise to scour practice squads around the league to find a backup with upside. Replacing Jonathan Allen is almost impossible according to head coach Dan Quinn. That doesn't change the fact Peters needs to in pursuit of keeping their impressive momentum going.
If the Commanders want to take a chance on athletic attributes, Evan Anderson is someone to consider. He's currently sitting on the San Francisco 49ers practice squad and is a strong presence to move off the block. The rookie also displayed some impressive explosiveness for a man his size in college at Florida Atlantic, which is something Quinn always looks for in his defensive linemen.