Jonathan Allen injury history: Every ailment that has kept him out of a game since he joined the NFL

One could have forgiven Jonathan Allen for letting his frustrations get the better of him last season. It was another campaign that promised much and delivered almost nothing for the Washington Commanders. Another losing year saw the veteran defensive tackle's attitude shift tremendously.

Allen's been a model of consistency since Washington selected him at No. 17 overall in the 2017 NFL Draft. He's widely regarded as one of the league's best interior disruptors despite his down year last time around. More importantly, the player has been relatively durable considering the violent nature of his position.

Having this stability quickly saw Allen become an integral piece of the puzzle. That's not going to change under the new regime. They also have no intention of trading the Alabama product despite speculation to the contrary around the media.

Everything's changed in the nation's capital. Allen noticed the atmosphere completely altered for the better and was re-energized throughout early offseason workouts as a result. If the lineman continues with his Iron Man image, the production should improve. Anything less will only increase rumors regarding his departure in 2025.

Let's look at Allen's injury history since entering the league and during his collegiate days. Hopefully, there will be no more added to this list next season.

Jonathan Allen's injury history in college

Left shoulder labrum tear - 2015

Allen's promising career with the Crimson Tide was dealt a blow after the formidable defensive tackle suffered a left shoulder labrum tear. This required surgery and required a significant period of rehabilitation.

The complication is mildly arthritic. Thankfully for Allen and the Commanders, it's not dented his ability to emerge into one of the team's most productive players.

Right shoulder labrum tear - 2016

If that wasn't bad enough, Allen suffered the misfortune of tearing his right shoulder labrum soon after coming back from the same issue on the left-hand side. This also required surgery, which was a devastating blow at the time.

Again, this problem is now mildly arthritic. Just how much it'll impact him in later life is anyone's guess, but the lingering effects have been minimal throughout his NFL journey so far.

Jonathan Allen's injury history since joining the Washington Commanders

Pedal Lisfranc Fracture - 2017

Big things were expected from Allen as a rookie. The Stone Bridge High School product looked like a player of immense promise over the first few weeks, displaying the ability to generate pressure and become a stout force against the run for good measure.

This contribution was fleeting. Allen's first year in the pros ended after just five games thanks to a Lisfranc foot fracture on his left side. Surgery was required to fix the issue, which reportedly saw the lineman have a screw inserted.

It seemed to do the trick. The problem hasn't flared up again. Allen looked like a man possessed upon returning to the lineup, gaining 61 tackles and eight sacks as an NFL sophomore in 2018.

Knee MCL Pull Grade 1 - 2018

Allen's 2019 campaign didn't get off to the best start. Just when it looked like some early momentum was building versus the Philadelphia Eagles, he suffered a left knee sprain. Remarkably, he only missed one game and maintained his exceptional performance levels following his short absence.

Long term impact

Allen's durability is a credit to his preparation and how much he takes care of his body. It can easily go the other way for those in the trenches, so the player deserves endless credit for pushing through the pain barrier in pursuit of helping the Commanders.

He's missed the odd game here and there for other reasons. The Commanders kept him out of season finales when there wasn't much to play for other than pride. That's understandable considering how emotionally invested Allen is on and off the field - last season's lack of motivation aside.

If the Commanders are to stand any hope of making legitimate progress under head coach Dan Quinn in 2024, they need Allen fit and firing on all cylinders. There's nothing in his recent history to raise concern, although that could change in the blink of an eye given the sport's physical nature.

There is a lot at stake for Allen in 2024. He's got two years and no guaranteed money left on his deal. Returning to the form of old might be enough for the Commanders to give him another extension - one that allows him to see out his prolific career in the nation's capital.

If last season's regression was the start of something more concerning, trading or releasing Allen entirely in 2025 cannot be completely dismissed. That sounds harsh after everything he's given to the organization, but general manager Adam Peters is running things with a business-first mindset.

Staying healthy is key. Allen's got good previous credentials in that regard. Long may it continue.