When fans thought things couldn't get much worse for the Washington Commanders injury-wise this season, another bitter blow emerged. And unfortunately for head coach Dan Quinn, it's another established presence who'll now be out for the foreseeable future.
Concerns were immediate when Dorance Armstrong Jr. went down after a few snaps of their opening drive against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 7. The defensive end hadn't practiced much throughout the week with a hamstring problem. Washington activated him for the game, but that will be the last time they see the former Kansas prospect in 2025.
After additional testing, Quinn revealed that Armstrong had suffered a significant knee injury and would be out for the remainder of the campaign. He was their most productive pass-rusher in the midst of a breakout campaign. Considering that Deatrich Wise Jr. and Javontae Jean-Baptiste are also out long-term, this already threadbare unit has been decimated.
Commanders need another edge rusher after Dorance Armstrong Jr. injury blow
Quinn also confirmed that he would be meeting with general manager Adam Peters regarding possible reinforcements. They only have Jacob Martin, Von Miller, and Preston Smith as things stand. Drake Jackson was recently acquired, but he went to injured reserve almost immediately to continue his recovery.
More is needed. Fans know it. Quinn and Peters realize it. The problem is finding the required quality with severely diminished options available.
Going down the trade route might be something to consider. Still, Peters doesn't have many assets after giving up so much for Marshon Lattimore, Laremy Tunsil, and Deebo Samuel Sr. Free agents are extremely thin on the ground, so perhaps scooping someone off a practice squad might be the best way to go.
Julian Okwara is someone the Commanders should consider. He's athletic and fits the mold of edge rushers within Quinn's system. Although he never built on a promising start to his NFL career with the Detroit Lions, he could still have some use with a smooth transition.
Okwara is currently on the Cleveland Browns practice squad after spending last season with the Arizona Cardinals, logging 18 tackles, one sack, three tackles for loss, and four pressures from 34 percent of defensive snaps. He also knows Washington's assistant general manager, Lance Newmark, well from their time together in Detroit.
It's a dart throw, and far from ideal. But desperate times call for desperate measures. Okwara hasn't made an impact in Cleveland, but it's also worth remembering that the Browns have a formidable defensive front led by All-Pro defensive end Myles Garrett.
Whether it's Okwara or something a little bolder, something needs to be done. Because make no mistake, standing pat is not an option.