Latest Emmanuel Forbes Jr. hammer blow makes Commanders' fate inevitable

Emmanuel Forbes Jr.'s second season with the Washington Commanders and first under the new regime isn't going according to plan. Another blow to his chances of salvaging something from the campaign all but sealed his eventual fate.

General manager Adam Peters didn't think much of Ron Rivera's first-round draft picks. Wide receiver Jahan Dotson was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles. Linebacker Jamin Davis was released after failing to make a successful transition to the edge-rushing room. Forbes is on the same path.

The Commanders made Forbes a healthy scratch in Week 12 against the Dallas Cowboys despite stud cornerback Marshon Lattimore also missing the contest. He's logged just eight defensive snaps over the last four games and didn't feature at all on Thursday Night Football last time out. This is a damning indictment of how Washington's coaching staff perceive his progress.

There is no trust in Forbes. That is entirely justified given he's done nothing to warrant anything else when tasked with significant responsibilities. But for the former Mississippi State standout to be cast aside entirely so frequently these days doesn't exactly bode well for his aspirations moving forward.

Commanders don't trust Emmanuel Forbes Jr. with good reason

Speculation was rife about the Commanders reportedly looking for a trade partner to remove Forbes from the equation before the 2024 deadline. No willing suitor came forward, so a situation could emerge where those in power release him outright next spring and eat some substantial dead-cap money along the way.

Forbes is running out of time. He was determined to silence his doubters and thrive under an improved coaching staff this season. His lack of legitimate size, complications in coverage, and woeful run support mean the ex-college ballhawk's time with the franchise is hanging by a thread.

This situation is tinged with immense regret. Had Rivera not been so steadfast in his belief and played the board a little better, Washington could have taken Christian Gonzalez instead. As was the case throughout his four-year tenure, selecting Forbes was an expensive mistake.

There's nothing Peters can do about that. The front-office leader is molding the roster with much more conviction. Washington's ambitious plans don't seem to include Forbes - a player who cannot seem to generate any positive momentum and is quickly becoming an afterthought.

Forbes will get another shot somewhere else. Teams always give the benefit of the doubt to high-end draft picks in the hope they can unlock their potential. The player would relish a fresh start elsewhere after a disastrous spell in Washington.

That's for the future. For now, all Forbes can do is keep plugging away in practice, listen to the coaches, and hope another chance arrives at some stage.

Whether that comes or not is debatable. But it's not looking good.

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