The Washington Commanders made an outstanding start to their Divisional Round game at the Detroit Lions. However, there were two major scares to one of the team's most influential figures.
With the Commanders moving the football effectively and within touching distance of the end zone, Washington handed the rock to running back Brian Robinson Jr. for their first touchdown of the contest to take the lead. This came at a price, with veteran right guard Sam Cosmi getting folded up on the play and staying down amid the celebrations.
There was some concern among Cosmi's teammates. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels and others went down on one knee hoping for a positive resolution. The former second-round pick out of Texas got up and gingerly walked off the field, but it quickly became apparent that the lineman's right leg was in some discomfort.
Cosmi didn't go into the medical tent, which was a positive. He got his leg checked over by the medical staff on the sideline and was officially listed as questionable to return.
He was later declared as out following additional assessments. A huge loss.
But that wasn't all.
Commanders face anxious wait after Sam Cosmi, Zach Ertz injuries
Pro Bowl tight end Zach Ertz, who had previously made a key fourth-down catch to get the Commanders into a goal-to-go situation, took a brutal hit on the play and looked a little woozy. He came back in briefly, but he was shaken.
It was revealed soon after that Ertz was being evaluated for a concussion and was also questionable to return. That left the Commanders without two of its most important offensive stars in an all-hands-on-deck situation.
Thankfully, he came back into the game and caught a touchdown late in the second half.
This was the last thing Washington needed. The Lions were getting everything they wanted on offense, which piled more pressure on Kliff Kingsbury's unit to keep this one competitive. Not having two dependable performers such as Cosmi and Ertz to rely on was a devastating blow in no uncertain terms.
It's a next-man-up scenario. The Commanders activated four tight ends for this game with undrafted free agent Colson Yankoff back on the active roster. But none compared to the proven credentials Ertz brings to the table, especially in high-stakes playoff encounters.
As for Cosmi? Trent Scott came in, who's more accustomed to playing tackle and isn't the most prolific lineman to ever grace the league. This made the task even more difficult versus one of the league's heavyweights.
The Commanders' backs were against the wall. Not for the first time this season. A huge effort was needed to compensate for these losses.