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John Keim, ESPN Staff WriterOct 14, 2024, 02:52 PM ET
- John Keim covers the Washington Commanders for ESPN. He joined ESPN in 2013 after a stint with the Washington Post. He started covering the team in 1994 for the Journal Newspapers and later for the Washington Examiner. He has authored/co-authored four books. You can also listen to him on ‘The John Keim Report’, which airs on ESPN Richmond radio, and follow him on Twitter @john_keim
Washington Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen will sit out the rest of the season after tearing his left pectoral muscle Sunday, coach Dan Quinn announced Monday.
Allen sustained the tear during the third quarter of a 30-23 loss to Baltimore, rolling over in pain after running back Derrick Henry scored on a 7-yard touchdown run with 2 minutes, 12 seconds left.
Allen had tests on the sideline and after the game, and later expressed optimism in the locker room about his health outlook. But an MRI on Monday afternoon revealed the tear. Quinn said Allen would undergo surgery “in the coming days.”
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Washington also had two other defensive linemen exit the game because of injuries — defensive ends Dorance Armstrong (rib) and Javontae Jean-Baptiste (right foot). Quinn said both are undergoing more tests. He said initial X-rays on Jean-Baptiste were negative.
Allen has been one of Washington’s top defensive linemen since the team drafted him in the first round in 2017. He made the Pro Bowl in 2021 and ’22 when he had a combined 16.5 sacks. Allen had two sacks in six games this season.
He and fellow defensive tackle Daron Payne, a first-round pick in 2018, formed a strong combination inside for Washington.
The Commanders drafted tackle Johnny Newton in the second round and also have Phidarian Mathis, a second-round pick in 2021. They also have Efe Obada, who can move inside on pass-rush downs.
“Jon’s rare and he’s got unique skills and talents, so it’s not just plug and play,” Quinn said. “We’ve got a deep crew, and we’ll feature all of them a little bit differently. But we will certainly miss Jon, the strength and the attitude that he brings inside.”
Allen has one more year left on his contract, but there’s no guaranteed money, so the Commanders would save $17 million on their salary cap if they released him.
