The Washington Commanders are still waiting for Marshon Lattimore to make his long-awaited debut. One NFL insider believes it's all systems go for the shutdown cornerback after the team's bye week.
It's been a slow burn for Lattimore following his trade from the New Orleans Saints before the 2024 deadline. He came into the organization with a hamstring issue. The Commanders have taken their time with the four-time Pro Bowler to prevent any unnecessary complications. Despite returning to practice on a limited basis last week, those in power opted not to risk him versus the Tennessee Titans.
Lattimore wasn't needed in Week 13 as the Commanders blew away the Titans. That won't be the case if Washington wants to make some noise in the postseason.
This is why the Commanders made a bombshell move for Lattimore. His ability to lock down one side of the field and relish the challenge of going up against the league's best is a major asset to call upon. Nobody else is capable of this on Washington's roster, so the benefits will be substantial if he gets a clear run of luck on the health front.
Marshon Lattimore set for Commanders debut in familiar surroundings
Adam Schefter of ESPN stated that Emmanuel Forbes Jr.'s release highlights the Commanders' confidence that Lattimore will be ready upon their return. And it just so happens that this is going to be against the Saints at the Caesars Superdome.
"When they get back from their bye, it sounds like Marshon Lattimore is going to make his Commanders' debut in the first game back for Washington. You saw they released Emmanuel Forbes, their first-round draft pick. I think part of the reason they released him is they knew they had Lattimore coming back after the bye. And it looks like he is tracking to play his first game for the Commanders. This will be a little jolt in the arm for Washington, coming off its bye, getting its Pro Bowl cornerback back. What better way than to bring back Marshon Lattimore, for his first game as a Commander, in New Orleans against the Saints, the team that traded him away?"Adam Schefter, ESPN
Commanders CB Marshon Lattimore is poised to make his return after Washington’s bye week next Sunday in, of all places, New Orleans.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 3, 2024
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Fate has brought Lattimore and the Saints back together immediately. There will be pleasantries exchanged beforehand, but this is nothing but a business trip. His competitive fire dictates nothing less.
The Commanders have waited patiently for Lattimore to get right. He'll hopefully be close to 100 percent, although there could be some early rust to shake off given how long he's been away from the gridiron. But all signs point to this being a plus for Washington's improving defense at the best possible time.
Everyone knows what Lattimore can do when firing on all cylinders. He's one of the premier coverage presences at the cornerback position and has been for some time. It's an immediate upgrade on anything Washington has right now, which should make things easier for the likes of Mike Sainristil, Noah Igbinoghene, and Benjamin St-Juste along the way.
The wait is almost over. Lattimore was a tremendous addition and easily general manager Adam Peters' boldest move yet. Now, he gets the chance to prove it and help the Commanders get over the hump.