Jordan Magee entered the campaign looking to build momentum in a crowded linebacker room. Unfortunately for the promising third-year player, the same frustrating luck returned after just one game.
The Washington Commanders confirmed that Magee has now been placed on injured reserve, ensuring he will miss at least the next four games. The former Temple star left their Week 1 contest against the Philadelphia Eagles with a hamstring issue, and it was severe enough to sideline him again.
This is another significant setback for Magee, who's dealt with his fair share over an up-and-down career to date.
Jordan Magee suffers new Commanders injury setback just as momentum was growing
And one has to wonder just how much longer the Commanders will stay patient.
Magee caught the eye over his first offseason in 2024. A knee injury that required surgery halted that, but it looked like the tide had finally turned in his favor after he played in all 17 games last season, starting eight.
The Commanders strengthened their linebacking corps with Leo Chenal and Sonny Styles this offseason, leaving Magee as a rotational piece who could make a considerable impression on special teams. He flashed in this discipline at Lincoln Financial Field, but the injury bug has now bitten him again.
If Magee didn't have bad luck, he wouldn't have any luck at all.
With second-team All-Pro linebacker Frankie Luvu's status for Week 2 against the Dallas Cowboys also in doubt, the Commanders are suddenly thin at the defensive second level.
Styles and Chenal will lead the way if Luvu cannot go. Kain Medrano is unproven and more of a special-teams factor. That's about it, though Washington still has Ale Kaho on the practice squad if needed.
Commanders' linebacker depth is already being tested after one game
As for Magee? He'll be focusing on what he can control.
Hamstring issues can be tricky. They almost always flare up again if they don't get the right time to heal. Magee now has a month to rehab before he's allowed back on the field, and he'll aim to return as soon as possible.
Because he can ill-afford the injury-prone tag to follow him around.
Magee has talent. He's fast, athletic, and instinctive. He brings a physical presence that's hard not to admire, and the coaching staff loves him.
But sometimes, that isn't enough.
The best ability in the NFL is availability. Magee is a gifted young player, so hopefully, this will become nothing more than another slight setback en route to a long career in Washington. But it is a stumbling block nonetheless.
There is no doubt Magee is a strong character. You don't survive in head coach Dan Quinn's culture without being one. Missing time is a stumbling block in his quest for more involvement, but fans may not see his true self, performance-wise, again until the second half of 2026.
It's deeply frustrating. Magee will be missed, especially if Luvu also sits out. But that should only make him hungrier when he gets the green light to resume football activities.
Just when that'll be is the big question nobody knows the answer to right now.
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