The Washington Commanders are reeling from free-agent signing Leo Chenal sustaining a fractured neck that required season-ending surgery. The procedure went well, and the linebacker is in good spirits, but it doesn't change the problem facing defensive coordinator Daronte Jones.
Fortunately, head coach Dan Quinn confirmed that Frankie Luvu will return to practice in London before their Week 4 international game against the Indianapolis Colts. And this might prevent the Commanders from doing anything more drastic.
Now, it's unclear how much Luvu will practice after suffering a groin injury that kept him out of the last two contests. Quinn said it will be "in some shape or form," and the Commanders will see how he responds before ramping things up.
Frankie Luvu holds the key to Commanders' linebacker approach without Leo Chenal
But if the Washington State product can get the green light to feature in any capacity, it will be huge.
It might also mean general manager Adam Peters stands pat with his linebacker options.
Rumors have swirled since Chenal's injury. Several names have come up in the media as possible options, including a return for Bobby Wagner. However, if Luvu gets back this weekend and stays healthy the rest of the way, there won't be much need for another aging veteran.
The Commanders have Kain Medrano for added depth, and he'll be brimming with confidence after a pick-six against the Seattle Seahawks. Ale Kaho could be promoted from the practice squad, and Jones could also move someone like athletic defensive back Tyler Owens closer to the line of scrimmage if needed.
And the Commanders also have Sonny Styles.
The No. 7 overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft has been a revelation through three weeks. Styles looks like he belongs, displaying the poise, athleticism, and instincts that will make him a star in short order. If Luvu can become the experienced leader alongside him and stay on the field, this has the makings of a highly productive tandem.
Commanders might be comfortable with what they have at linebacker, for now
Obviously, not having Chenal might dictate that another body comes into the fold at some stage. There doesn't appear to be any real urgency right now, maybe because of Luvu. At the same time, Peters cannot leave anything to chance.
But he shouldn't just make a move for the sake of it.
Luvu is the inspirational leader on the field and in the locker room. The Commanders are always better when he's in the lineup, and the 2024 second-team All-Pro was playing well in Week 1 before getting hurt.
The Commanders will manage his progress carefully this week, but Luvu will be itching to get involved. And if everything goes well in practice over the coming days, Quinn and Jones will have a big decision to make.
It's a wait-and-see scenario with big ramifications attached. Peters will have plans in place for every eventuality. But in an ideal world, Luvu can return, and others can step into bigger roles without Chenal to pick up the slack.
If they decide more is required, so be it. However, the Commanders seem willing to trust the options available now before assessing the landscape when they return from their international business trip.
That's the smart approach, but the situation remains fluid.
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