An enormous amount of concern surrounded Washington Commanders linebacker Leo Chenal, who was carted off the field in Week 3 with a scary-looking injury. Now, the team's worst fears have been confirmed.
And it might be enough to push the Commanders straight back to Bobby Wagner.
According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, which was later confirmed by local beat reporters, Chenal will undergo surgery today to repair a fractured neck sustained against the Seattle Seahawks. This will rule him out for the rest of 2026, though the free-agent signing is expected to make a full recovery.
Commanders could turn to Bobby Wagner after Leo Chenal injury blow
With Frankie Luvu out with a groin issue, missing the last two games, and Jordan Magee on injured reserve, the Commanders desperately lack experience at the defensive second level.
But could that be enough for head coach Dan Quinn to offer Wagner an emotional reunion in Washington?
It's certainly possible. Nothing should be completely dismissed, especially after Quinn said the door would never be closed on Wagner. The Commanders are also bringing running back Austin Ekeler in for another go-around, so the same could happen again.
But this option also has a lot of unknowns.
Wagner hasn't had a full offseason anywhere. No team took the plunge after the Commanders didn't bring him back initially, and that hasn't changed three weeks into the campaign.
For someone with Wagner's credentials who wanted to carry on his playing career, it's somewhat surprising. At the same time, the perennial Pro Bowler's flaws were more exposed than ever last season.
Bobby Wagner doesn't quite fit into Commanders' new defensive revolution
While there is no doubt Wagner is still an asset between the tackles, he is a liability in space. Not exactly surprising at his age, but this doesn't make him the best fit for Daronte Jones' new defense.
Jones' aggressive system is predicated on speed, athleticism, and explosiveness. Wagner doesn't really boast any of those things in his career twilight, so the Commanders might be content to move forward with what they have rather than re-sign the Utah State product.
Much will depend on Luvu's status and whether Magee can get off injured reserve the first time he's permitted to next week. Sonny Styles will lead the charge until then, but it might be worth bringing in Wagner for veteran leadership, provided he is willing to accept a bit-part role.
That would give him a path back into the league with a team and a coach he knows well. And with nobody else seemingly willing to make him an offer, Wagner would no doubt consider the possibility.
Losing Chenal so early into his Washington tenure is disappointing. He was putting together his best game of the season against the Seahawks before a scary injury. His focus now involves recovering slowly before potentially featuring again in 2027, but the Commanders have the present to worry about as well.
Perhaps the Commanders are comfortable with Styles and Kain Medrano, whose pick-six changed the course of Week 3. But if Luvu and Magee cannot get back soon, they'll probably need another option.
Time will tell. But adding Wagner does seem unlikely.
Everyone has moved on. And though plans change quickly, so has Washington's defensive mindset.
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