Jonathan Allen's return to the practice field on Wednesday gave everyone associated with the Washington Commanders a huge lift. However, there are still some hurdles to overcome before he suits up in a competitive setting.
Not many expected Allen to feature again in 2024 after the defensive tackle suffered a torn pectoral in Week 6 at the Baltimore Ravens. Fortunately for the team leader, it was a partial tear. After tackling his initial rehabilitation with customary determination, hopes grew regarding his participation at the business end of the campaign.
Head coach Dan Quinn was almost in shock when discussing Allen's progress. There are still some targets to hit before confidence increases, but the fact that he could participate in drills and extend with explosiveness couldn't be more encouraging.
Washington Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen returned to practice Wednesday.
— Sam Fortier (@Sam4TR) December 18, 2024
Here are his individual reps as he works back from a torn pec: pic.twitter.com/koeCWEfa3m
Perhaps this weekend's game will come too soon for Allen. The former first-round pick out of Alabama was listed as limited on his first day back. That'll likely be the case over the next two sessions before his final injury status for Week 16 versus the Philadelphia Eagles is confirmed.
Jonathan Allen wants to help Commanders meet raised expectations
Allen wants to help in any way possible. He feels good, but it's all about taking things one day at a time and seeing where things go from there. It's also clear that the Alabama product worked exceptionally hard to give himself a fighting chance.
"You just never know. I just wanted to work in silence and just keep going until I had a real opportunity. I think it's just about going out there and feeling comfortable. Today was a really good day for me. Good first day, but that's all it was. We're going to take it one day at a time. It always feels good. My focus has always been just coming in and trying to help any way possible. That's all I'm focusing on right now."Jonathan Allen via Commanders.com
It would be a bombshell of epic proportions if the Commanders activated Allen for Washington's penultimate home game in 2024. He's been out a long time and this was still a serious injury. Expecting the defensive talisman to slot into his previous role and accumulate a large snap share right out of the gate is unfair and unrealistic.
At the same time, Allen's presence is enough to inspire others. The Commanders haven't done much winning since he joined the organization, but the Stone Bridge High School product is an exceptional leadership presence. That will be a major asset to call upon with the playoffs in sight.
Quinn and his coaching staff will take every possible precaution as Allen ramps things up, just as they did with stud cornerback Marshon Lattimore. If he continues to hit the markers and shows no lingering effects from the increased pressure on his surgically repaired bicep tear, the Commanders should give him the green light.
Allen knows the Commanders have a tremendous opportunity if they close out their regular-season engagements effectively. This was all he wanted for the franchise after frustrations reached breaking point during Ron Rivera's final campaign at the helm.
Whether he'll pass the tests to make a contribution remains to be seen. But he's got a shot.