Big Marshon Lattimore injury update is impeccably timed for Commanders

Marshon Lattimore has yet to officially make his Washington Commanders debut following a bombshell trade before the deadline. That could be about to change.

The Commanders are taking things slowly with the stud cornerback's hamstring issue. This wasn't a short-term rental tasked with helping right now. Lattimore is also a core foundational piece of the team's long-term vision and is being treated accordingly.

Lattimore hasn't been active for the team's defeats against the Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles. He's yet to participate in practice as Washington's staff take every possible precaution with his rehabilitation. Anyone getting impatient is simply missing the bigger picture.

Commanders HC Dan Quinn seeing positive progress from Marshon Lattimore

Dan Quinn provided a big update regarding Lattimore's status during his recent media availability. The Commanders' head coach was noncommittal when probed about the former first-round pick's practice involvement heading into their Week 12 game versus the Dallas Cowboys. However, he acknowledged that things are starting to trend positively toward his participation in some capacity.

"I'm hopeful that he's able to see the field some, he's trending in the right space. He's still working really hard from the rehab spot to see where he can go. We're just not going to take the chance if it's not all the way ready, and good news, we're trending in a really strong way and we'll see what the week looks like, but we're moving in the right way, that's for sure."

- Dan Quinn via Commanders.com

This positive development is impeccably timed. Most of the media are starting to question the Commanders' playoff legitimacy after two straight losses. Getting one of the league's most prolific shutdown coverage options into the fold will be an incredible boost.

The Commanders have some winnable games upcoming over the next three weeks before their second showdown with the Eagles. This will make or break their postseason aspirations beyond all doubt. They'll stay the course with Lattimore and react to how he comes through specific targets, but having him on the field in some capacity is better than the player not suiting up at all.

Washington wouldn't have made a bold move for Lattimore if they didn't feel like they had a shot to make some postseason noise immediately. Joe Whitt Jr.'s defense has displayed encouraging growth in recent weeks. All that's missing is a premier cornerback to go alongside promising rookie Mike Sainristil.

Lattimore represents exactly that. He might not be ready for a full workload immediately, but Quinn and Whitt will have a plan in place. If everything checks out over the early stages of his return, that's when things can ramp up.

There's an enormous sense of anticipation regarding Lattimore's introduction. And make no mistake, his credentials speak for themselves.

He is a four-time Pro Bowler and former NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. Even in a supposed down year with the Saints this season, the Ohio State product was only giving up 54.5 percent of targets and a 69.1 passer rating when targeted. Couple this with Lattimore's fierce competitive mindset, it's not hard to figure out why Adam Peters made the biggest splash of his time as general manager so far.

This news represents another positive step for Lattimore. Something that's increased excitement among the fanbase along the way.

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