Commanders inactives list for Week 7 highlights defensive deficiencies
By Dean Jones
After having a relatively clear run of luck on the health front this season, head coach Dan Quinn is finally having to navigate issues across his improving roster. The Washington Commanders have to roll with the punches and maintain focus heading into a winnable Week 7 home game against the Carolina Panthers.
They'll have to do this without stud defensive tackle Jonathan Allen, who tore his pectoral at the Baltimore Ravens in Week 6 and will miss Washington's remaining regular-season engagements. This is a blow, but the coaching staff seems confident that second-round rookie Johnny Newton and third-year-pro Phidarian Mathis can pick up the slack in his absence.
Washington is also without Dorance Armstrong Jr. at Northwest Stadium. The free-agent signing is the team's most productive edge rusher by a considerable margin. He's not been risked after going down with a rib complication last time out. Javontae Jean-Baptiste went to injured reserve following the clash, so the pass rush could be limited in the face of Carolina's exceptional offensive line.
Some positive news did emerge amid the doom and gloom. Brian Robinson Jr. practiced this week and was expected to suit up according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. This provides a huge boost to a ground game that was neutralized in no uncertain terms at M&T Bank Stadium.
Just how much Robinson will be able to feature is anyone's guess. The Commanders have erred on the side of caution with their No. 1 running back, but they are a completely different operation with the former third-round pick out of Alabama in the lineup.
Full list of inactive Commanders players in Week 7
- QB Jeff Driskel (Emergency QB)
- S Tyler Owens
- LB Dominique Hampton
- OL Chris Paul
- DE Dorence Armstrong Jr.
Via the Commanders website.
Full list of inactive Panthers players in Week 7
- OLB Jadeveon Clowney
- LB Josey Jewell
- LB Jon Rhattigan
- LB Claudin Cherelus
- RT Taylor Moton
- TE Tommy Tremble
- DE A'Shawn Robinson
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