JUST IN: Commanders’ Defensive Shuffle Two Linemen on IR, New Additions Join the Roster

Commanders’ Defensive Shuffle Two Linemen on IR, New Additions Join the Roster

The Washington Commanders faced significant challenges during their 30-23 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, particularly on the defensive side.

Jonathan Allen sustained a serious pec injury, resulting in his placement on IR. This was confirmed by Dan Quinn on Monday and made official today..

Allen, a former first-round pick, has been a pivotal player on the defensive line, partnering with fellow Alabama teammate Daron Payne. With just one year left on his contract, the team must decide on his future after this season.

We have made the following roster moves:
— Placed DT Jonathan Allen and DE Javontae Jean-Baptiste on the Reserve/Injured List
— Signed DE Jalyn Holmes
— Signed DT Sheldon Day from the practice squad
— Signed DT Carl Davis to the practice squad

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) October 16, 2024

In addition to Allen, rookie DE Javontae Jean-Baptiste also suffered an ankle injury on Sunday. He joins free agent signing Dorance Armstrong, who is dealing with a rib injury.

As a result, Jean-Baptiste has been placed on IR, sidelining him for a minimum of four games.

The seventh-round pick from Notre Dame had been making an impact, playing over 40% of the defensive snaps in the last two games.

To fill the gaps left by these injuries, the Commanders made two roster signings. They signed DT Sheldon Day from the practice squad, who is expected to be active for Sunday’s game.

Also working out for the #Commanders today: CB Kyle Fuller, who hasn’t played since 2022. No indication he’ll sign at this point. https://t.co/Knkp9posUL

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) October 15, 2024

Day was elevated for the Week 1 matchup against the Buccaneers, where he played 36% of the defensive snaps. This week’s injuries have opened the door for his return to the 53-man roster.

The second signing is defensive end Jalyn Holmes, who will add depth to the defensive line. A fourth-round pick by the Minnesota Vikings in 2018 out of Ohio State, Holmes had his most productive season in 2020 but was released the following year.

In addition to these moves, the Commanders signed veteran DT Carl Davis to the practice squad. While this was reported yesterday, it was officially confirmed today alongside the other roster changes.

Furthermore, Mike Garafolo indicated that Washington brought in CB Kyle Fuller—older brother of former Commanders CB Kendall—for a workout. Fuller, who hasn’t played in two years, is now 32 years old, adding another layer of intrigue to the team’s defensive reshuffle.