Another week brings yet another game without cornerback Marshon Lattimore for the Washington Commanders.
Just hours before their Week 13 home matchup against the Tennessee Titans, the Commanders announced that Lattimore would miss his fifth consecutive game and fourth since being traded from the New Orleans Saints on November 5.
The most surprising aspect of the injury report centers on Lattimore, who seemed close to returning after participating in practice for the first time this week.
First-year Washington head coach Dan Quinn praised Marshon Lattimore’s performance in his return to action on November 27, calling the four-time Pro Bowler “awesome” in an interview with The Athletic’s Ben Standig and Cale Clinton. Lattimore had not played since the Saints’ 26-6 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on October 27.
Before his injury, Lattimore was delivering standout numbers, allowing a career-low 42.9% completion rate and a career-best 4.4 yards per target over seven games, according to Sports Info Solutions, as cited by The Athletic. He now looks to make his potential comeback with a Washington team still in the hunt for a playoff spot.
The Commanders need Lattimore now more than ever. After a three-game losing streak, their record has dropped to 7-5, placing them in the NFC’s seventh and final playoff spot.
Lattimore was among four inactive players for the Commanders, alongside defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis, offensive tackle Andrew Wylie, and linebacker Dominique Hampton. Backup quarterback Jeff Driskel was listed as the team’s emergency quarterback.
Resting Lattimore gives him an additional two weeks to recover.
One possibility is that the Commanders are banking on their ability to defeat the 3-8 Titans without Lattimore, allowing him to return as close to full strength as possible.
The Commanders have a bye in Week 14, and in Week 15, they face the Saints on the road—a matchup Lattimore will likely be eager to play.
Since being drafted 11th overall by the Saints in 2017 out of Ohio State, Lattimore has solidified his reputation as one of the NFL’s premier cornerbacks.
With a career-high five interceptions in just 13 games, he earned his first Pro Bowl appearance and was voted NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2017. With 15 career interceptions in his first seven seasons, it was the first of Lattimore’s four Pro Bowl selections.
With a massive five-year contract extension worth $97.6 million that goes through 2026, Lattimore cashed in in September 2021.
Lattimore has struggled with injuries in recent years. In 2022, he missed 10 games due to a kidney laceration, and he missed 7 games due to an ankle ailment.
A rookie CB may benefit greatly from Lattimore’s mentoring.
Mike Sainristil, a 2024 second-round pick and rookie cornerback for the Commanders who has replaced Benjamin St.-Juste in the starting lineup and has the potential to be a star, would benefit greatly from Lattimore’s guidance.
Jeff Diamond of the 33rd Team praised Sainristil for playing a significant role in the team’s comeback from a 4-13 2023 campaign and its first winning campaign since 2016.
Diamond stated, “The team’s rise from a four-win team last year has been greatly aided by the significant improvement in pass defense from last ranked in 2023 to No. 4 this season.” “Sainristil, a starting cornerback with 61 tackles, one interception, and nine passes defensed, was selected in the second round (No. 50).”
