The Washington Commanders are dealing with some injury issues heading into their Week 9 game at the New York Giants. Not unusual at this stage of what's been a grueling season up to now, but it's a potential concern nonetheless.
Dan Quinn can ill afford complications piling up when momentum is so high right now. The Commanders need everyone fit and firing on all cylinders to maintain their exceptional opening to the campaign. For all the positives surrounding the organization, there are some depth issues at certain position groups that could be exploited by opposing teams.
One of the biggest issues throughout the week centered on linebacker Frankie Luvu. The veteran free-agent signing missed the opening two days of practice with a shin issue sustained during Washington's last-gasp win over the Chicago Bears. This was a grave concern for fans when one considers the impact made by the former undrafted free agent since his arrival from the Carolina Panthers.
Luvu and Bobby Wagner have quickly emerged into one of the league's most prolific linebacker tandems. Breaking this up due to injury would be a devastating blow to the Commanders' chances of mounting a postseason push and potentially winning the NFC East for good measure.
Commanders LB Frankie Luvu is all systems go for Week 9
Thankfully, the news was much more positive on Friday. Luvu was seen walking out to the practice field with a sleeve on his leg. After an encouraging session from the Washington State product, head coach Dan Quinn revealed that it's all systems go for the second-level enforcer at MetLife Stadium.
And breathe.
Luvu's passion, energy, and ability to make plays in key moments saw him emerge into the beating heart of Washington's defensive revolution under Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. He's beloved by the fanbase and locker room in equal measure. His mere presence on the field makes everyone better. It's been a long time since the Commanders had a linebacker like this to depend upon.
Being deployed in a role similar to how Quinn utilized Micah Parsons on the Dallas Cowboys is bearing fruit. Whether Luvu is 100 percent or not is moot. He's healthy enough to go, so the expectations are high that he can have a significant say in proceedings versus a Giants offense not exactly setting the world alight.
Besides, no player can say they are truly healthy at this stage of the season.
The Commanders have a fantastic opportunity to be 7-2 before they welcome the Pittsburgh Steelers to Northwest Stadium in Week 10. Having Luvu raring to go is only going to help their cause.