Sure sounds like Commanders' job security forced Austin Seibert back too soon

Austin Seibert's missed extra points weren't the only reason why the Washington Commanders lost at home to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 12, but they gained the majority of headlines. Now, the veteran kicker won't get the chance to right this wrong.

Seibert's start to his time in Washington was remarkable. He formally announced himself in Week 2 by setting a new franchise record for field goals in a single game with seven versus the New York Giants. His consistency after that made a once-problem position one of the team's strongest points. This was a major boost after the carousel of kickers who attempted to plug the gap beforehand.

Sadly for Seibert, his momentum was halted by injury. He missed two games before coming back in Week 12. Zane Gonzalez came into the fold and performed well. Something that a heated NFC East rival believes forced the incumbent starter to come back potentially before he was ready.

Brandon Aubrey hints that Commanders kicker Austin Seibert came back too soon

Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey had nothing but sympathy for Seibert after his high-profile mishaps. He also hinted that Gonzalez's impressive start could have led to increased urgency to get back sooner - something he would later come to regret.

"He's fine, he's a pro, he'll bounce back. I think if you look back at the missed extra point at the end of the game, they're lucky to get that one off with where the snap was at. So, I wouldn't be too harsh on him. He's coming back from an injury, maybe rushing back because he wants to win the job going into next year So, I mean, everyone has a bad day every once in a while, so just chalk it up to that."

- Brandon Aubrey

Whether Seibert was 100 percent or not is anyone's guess. The Commanders wouldn't have gone with him if they believed something was amiss. This gamble blew up in the team and player's face. He's now on injured reserve.

Considering Gonzalez has one more activation from the practice squad due and Washington is on its bye in Week 13, putting Seibert on injured reserve suggested something more serious. There's a chance he comes back for the Commanders' season finale and potential playoff game, but it seems unlikely at this juncture.

The life of a kicker is notoriously precarious. Seibert was the darling earlier in the campaign before turning to the villain. After looking like he could potentially be the answer to Washington's kicking woes long-term, things are less certain now.

All hope is not lost for Seibert. His production when fully healthy warrants another look next off-season at the very least. It's also worth remembering how badly Tyler Ott botched the snap on the second missed extra point, which was arguably more critical than the wayward attempt itself.

The Commanders are trying to make the best out of a bad situation. They are losing momentum rapidly after such a bright start to this exciting project. Those in power are trying to find solutions to emerging problems. This is coming at the worst possible time in their quest to make the postseason.

Gonzalez will take the kicking reins. How he performs will go a long way to determining Seibert's fate once the campaign concludes.

After pushing too hard, Seibert's fate is now out of his hands.

More Commanders news and analysis