Commanders rookie's promising momentum comes screeching to abrupt halt

No NFL team gets a clear run of good fortune on the injury front at this time of year. Training camp and preseason games are fast, physically brutal on occasion, and cause health complications to emerge. It's about managing this effectively and implementing coping mechanisms for every eventuality.

The Washington Commanders have some issues they're currently navigating. There's no need to panic at this juncture, but the coaching staff erring on the side of caution is the right call to make. One recent development, in particular, came with a significant amount of disappointment attached.

Jordan Magee was a relatively unknown quantity to most fans after the Commanders took him at No. 139 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. The athletic linebacker had the size and scope normally associated with players Dan Quinn likes at the defensive second level, but he was seen by analysts as a development project and special teams ace rather than someone who could impact the rotation immediately.

Commanders LB Jordan Magee can bounce back from injury stumbling block

Magee began proving that theory wrong instantly. His transition was seamless throughout the offseason, making plays with supreme conviction and surging up the depth chart. The former Temple star didn't look out of place when given starting reps over training camp, which came with glowing praise from Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. along the way.

This positive momentum came screeching to an abrupt halt during Washington's preseason opener at the New York Jets. Quinn couldn't hide his disappointment after Magee suffered a knee issue. The severity remains outside public knowledge, but the head coach confirmed he wouldn't be available for their trip to the Miami Dolphins.

"One other setback we had was Jordan Magee; he had injured his knee in the game; we’re going to get some more testing and that kind of stuff, so that was a bummer for sure. I thought he was off to a good start; I’m hopeful, but he’ll be out this week for sure."

- Dan Quinn via USA Today Sports

Magee's hopes of carving out a role for himself were dented by this unfortunate turn of events. However, the Commanders should have seen enough to implement a plan of attack to get him involved once he's fully recovered.

Washington should take their time with Magee. They have experienced figures such as Frankie Luvu, Bobby Wagner, Jamin Davis, and Mykal Walker to occupy linebacking responsibilities. There's no need to rush the rookie back before he's ready. Taking the gradual approach avoids the risk of additional problems surfacing and keeps his long-term aspirations intact.

Until then, there's plenty Magee can gain from the sidelines. Watching how Wagner and Luvu go about their business will do wonders for his development. The two veterans are more than happy to pass on their boundless knowledge to the first-year pro. Expect this trend to continue throughout the campaign whether he's on the field or not.

Magee's injury is a momentum halter, there's no getting away from that. But this does not detract from what an outstanding impression he made in a relatively short space of time. That should provide all the momentum needed to hit the ground running once medically cleared to resume football activities.

Just when that'll be is undetermined. Magee will be more frustrated than anybody, so harnessing this positively when he suits up again can ensure the second-level presence picks up where he left off.

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