The Washington Commanders are dealing with significant injury issues right now. Quarterback Jayden Daniels' dislocated elbow got most of the headlines, and rightfully so. But another scary incident will leave head coach Dan Quinn without one of his most influential defensive players.
Nick Cross won't feature in Week 3 versus the Seattle Seahawks. He played every snap against the Dallas Cowboys, but the veteran safety suffered internal damage that required an ambulance from AT&T Stadium and an overnight stay in the hospital.
This was deeply concerning. Cross felt good enough to fly home the next day. But the Commanders are correct not to risk any further damage this weekend.
Commanders' vulnerable secondary takes another major hit with Nick Cross absence
However, this significantly depletes an already vulnerable secondary for the visit of the defending Super Bowl champions to Northwest Stadium.
Despite losing starting quarterback Sam Darnold to injury early in their season opener, the Seahawks haven't skipped a beat. Drew Lock looks composed under center, and wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba is a legitimate superstar. Without Cross providing support on the back end, this is a massive problem.
Cross joined the Commanders this offseason and immediately made his presence felt. His tone-setting play and mindset were a breath of fresh air. Though things may not have gone according to plan through two weeks, the former Maryland star emerged as a real bright spot.
But now, he is missing.
This brings to mind wide receiver Noah Brown. He sustained a kidney issue that required surgery in 2024, and he's never been the same since. Hopefully, things won't be as bad for Cross, but the Commanders cannot move forward with anything other than extreme caution.
Commanders have to get more from others with Nick Cross out of action
Without Cross, the Commanders have Jeremy Reaves leading the safety room. Quan Martin might get more time on the field, but he has not started the season well. With nothing to lose, this might be a good time to give Tyler Owens more reps in the defensive rotation and see how he fares.
Not exactly what the Commanders had in mind, but they just have to roll with the punches and find ways to cope without some key personnel once again.
Hopefully, Cross responds well to treatment and can get back on the field quickly. He's an integral part of the team's plans, and Washington isn't exactly blessed with high-quality depth in the secondary.
There is also no way the player will want to miss the Commanders' trip to London to take on his former team, the Indianapolis Colts.
But if he's not ready, that decision will be taken out of his hands.
The Commanders cannot risk anything else. Not with an internal injury, and especially with the violence Cross goes about his business on the field.
Until he gets the green light to return, the Commanders will have to adjust accordingly.
Cross was one of the team's standouts, and only cornerback Amik Robertson has played with similar consistency on the defensive back end. That could be complicated versus Seattle, but this is a next-man-up league.
A massive response is required for those tasked with filling Cross' void. But it does look like a tall order.
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