Jonathan Allen’s Potential Return: A Christmas Miracle for the Washington Commanders?
The Washington Commanders may be on the brink of a Christmas miracle involving their star defensive tackle, Jonathan Allen. Despite initially being sidelined for the rest of the season due to a torn pectoral muscle sustained in Week 6, Allen’s potential return has been reignited, offering hope to the Commanders’ playoff aspirations.
The Injury and Hope for a Return
According to ESPN’s John Keim, Allen’s injury occurred during a Week 6 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Originally, it seemed like Allen would be out for the remainder of the season. However, when doctors performed surgery to repair the damage, they discovered that the tear was only partial. This revelation opened the door to the possibility of a late-season return. Keim reported that subsequent checkups have fueled continued optimism, with sources suggesting that Allen believes a return is still achievable. However, it is not a certainty. For Allen to play again this season, he will need to regain full strength and prove that he is physically capable of returning to the field.
Since October 16, Allen has been on injured reserve, with the team unable to utilize his talent during his recovery. His contract situation further complicates matters, as he has one season left on a four-year, $72 million extension signed in 2021. This deal will pay him $17 million in 2025. Washington already committed $33.1 million in guaranteed money to Allen, which means the team could consider releasing him before the 2025 season, freeing up $17 million in cap space. The team is already projected to have a considerable salary cap surplus of $101.5 million for that year.
Preseason Criticism and Trade Rumors
Before the 2024 season, Allen found himself on Bleacher Report’s “NFL All-Overpaid Team,” a list compiled by Alex Fowler that included several notable players. Alongside Allen, offensive tackle Andrew Wylie and cornerback Emmanuel Forbes (who was released in late November) were also highlighted for their hefty contracts in relation to their on-field production. This critique reflected a broader concern about Allen’s value to the team, especially following the Commanders’ selection of interior defensive lineman Jer’Zhan Newton in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Moreover, the Commanders already had another high-paid defensive lineman in Daron Payne, who signed a four-year, $90 million contract extension. These factors led to speculation about Allen’s future in Washington, as the team explored various options with its new front office.
As Fowler pointed out, the new Commanders regime had no ties to Allen’s draft or extension, leaving the team with the opportunity to evaluate his future. With young talent like Newton and a solid performer in Payne, the Commanders could consider moving on from Allen if his performance failed to meet expectations. Despite these rumors, Allen’s play prior to his injury had been solid, offering hope that he could still contribute significantly in the future.
Allen’s Consistency Over the Years
Before his injury, Allen had been one of the NFL’s most consistent interior defensive linemen. Through six games in 2024, Allen had posted 13 tackles and 2.0 sacks, showcasing his continued impact on the field. While Payne and Newton have been steady contributors this season, neither has truly stood out. Payne has 33 tackles, 3.0 sacks, and 3 tackles for loss (TFL), while Newton has recorded 30 tackles, 1.0 sack, and 3 TFL. Given that the Commanders are vying for a playoff spot, having Allen back in the mix would provide a significant boost to their defensive front.
Allen has built a reputation for being a reliable and impactful defensive tackle since being drafted by the Commanders in the first round (17th overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft. Over the past six seasons, Allen has earned two Pro Bowl selections and averaged 62 tackles and 6.3 sacks per year. His durability has also been impressive, as he has missed no more than two games in any single season during this stretch.
A Key Piece of Washington’s Defense
Now in his eighth season, Allen has been a cornerstone of Washington’s defense since his arrival in 2017. As Keim noted, his consistent play earned him Pro Bowl honors following the 2021 and 2022 seasons, during which he combined for 16.5 sacks. With his return potentially on the horizon, the Commanders would welcome him back with open arms. Allen’s leadership and experience would be invaluable as the team pushes for its first playoff appearance since 2020. The possibility of his return, even if unlikely, adds a layer of excitement to the Commanders’ end-of-season push.
The Bigger Picture for the Commanders
Despite being in a precarious position with their salary cap and roster decisions, the Commanders must now focus on their immediate future—making the playoffs. If Allen can return and regain his form, he could be the difference-maker Washington needs to secure a postseason berth. His presence would bolster the defense and give the team a veteran leader in critical moments. If he doesn’t return, Washington will have to rely on the contributions of Payne and Newton, who have shown potential but have yet to elevate their game to the level of Allen’s.
As the Commanders navigate the remainder of the 2024 season, Allen’s situation will continue to be a story worth following. His possible return would give the team a significant boost in its pursuit of a playoff berth. For now, the Commanders and their fans can only hope for the best, as they wait to see if Allen can defy the odds and make a miraculous return to the field in time for the stretch run.
In conclusion, Jonathan Allen’s potential return from injury could be a game-changer for the Washington Commanders, adding strength to their defensive line as they aim for a postseason appearance. Whether or not Allen will be able to come back is uncertain, but the possibility alone provides a glimmer of hope during a critical stretch of the season. With the team facing tough decisions regarding his future, the next few weeks could prove pivotal in shaping the direction of both Allen’s career and the Commanders’ immediate prospects.
