Marshon Lattimore takes another symbolic step toward Commanders debut

Marshon Lattimore hasn't been seen on the field in a competitive setting since joining the Washington Commanders via trade before the deadline. That could finally change this weekend.

The Commanders have taken things slowly with Lattimore. This was not a short-term rental that warranted unnecessary risk. He's a long-term part of the team's plans, which is why the coaching staff took every possible precaution to ensure it'll be all systems go when the Pro Bowl cornerback returns.

Dan Quinn seemed confident Lattimore would be ready sooner rather than later. The head coach revealed that he'd passed specific tests before the bye week. Having an added period of rest to further recuperate was another major boost to the veteran.

Commanders CB Marshon Lattimore takes positive step toward Week 15 involvement

Lattimore took another symbolic step towards featuring this weekend to begin preparations. The former first-round pick will be a full participant during Wednesday's practice. This represents another big step in the right direction after so long away from the gridiron.

Much will depend on how Lattimore comes through increased reps in a typical practice setting throughout the week. The Commanders will monitor developments closely and react accordingly. But it's not hard to see why the Ohio State product will be pushing hard for involvement in Week 15.

Fate is a funny thing. Lattimore will experience that to its fullest this weekend if he suits up against the New Orleans Saints.

This was the team that drafted him, where he won NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, and spent the first 7.5 years of his professional career. It's also the team that deemed him surplus to requirements.

The fact this game is being played at the Caesars Superdome only adds to the significance for Lattimore. He's a competitive guy who'll be relishing the prospect of proving the Saints made a grave error in judgment. They'll also know how influential he can be when early momentum is generated.

Expecting miracles right away would be foolish, but having a genuine shutdown presence isn't a bad tool for Washington to add to its arsenal at this late stage of the season. Lattimore is exactly that.

Lattimore represents an immediate upgrade from the moment he steps onto the field in one of the starting cornerback spots. The Commanders might not give him a full workload initially. That will likely be determined by how things unfold in the coming days.

This is another positive step in Lattimore's road to recovery. If the same trend continues, the Commanders will throw him into the fire at long last.

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