We learned last week that Washington Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen could return this season. Allen tore his pec in a Week 6 game at Baltimore. And while a torn pec is often a season-ending injury, Allen’s was only a partial tear, giving the Commanders hope that he could return this season.
On Wednesday, Washington opened Allen’s 21-day practice window, meaning it has 21 days to either activate him from injured reserve to the 53-man roster or end his season. When a team opens an injured player’s 21-day window, they are likely close to a return.
We have opened the 21-day practice window for DT Jonathan Allen pic.twitter.com/b4jY3072sm
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) December 18, 2024
Head coach Dan Quinn spoke about Allen’s potential return on Wednesday.
“Yeah, well first I think it’s a remarkable part of the rehab, for him to go through it,” Quinn said. “There’s a lengthy protocol in the return to make sure we don’t miss a step along the way. For us, you’ve heard us say protecting the team, that’s the player too. So, we did that with Marshon [Lattimore] too and [Allen’s] really worked hard to get ready into this space. So, we’ll just kind of take it, practice as we’re going, but he’ll be back in with the team today and going through it.”
Allen did practice but was limited.
Allen’s potential return comes when the Commanders are battling to make the playoffs. At 9-5, Washington currently possesses the seventh and final seed in the NFC playoff field. The Commanders host the Eagles this weekend and close the season against the Falcons and Cowboys.
