Washington Commanders cornerback Marshon Lattimore is set to practice with the team for the first time since Washington acquired him at the Nov. 5 trade deadline.
Lattimore has been dealing with a hamstring injury since before the acquisition, last playing with the New Orleans Saints in their Week 8 game against the Los Angeles Chargers. Prior to the injury, Lattimore was allowing a career-low 42.9 percent completion percentage and a career-best 4.4 yards per target allowed through seven games, according to Sports Info Solutions. Now, Lattimore makes his potential return for a team still in the hunt for a playoff spot and division title.
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Commanders head coach Dan Quinn emphasized caution with Lattimore’s injury recovery timeline but couldn’t hide his excitement, describing his return to play as “awesome.”
“We’re really following a rigorous process with him,” Quinn said. “And that’s not just with Marshon, but especially with soft tissue injuries. We have a great staff and working together with him, and the feedback that goes with it, and also keep him safe as well.”
Coming off their third straight loss and sitting 2.5 games behind the Philadelphia Eagles for first in the NFC East, the Commanders have struggled to defend the pass this season. Through 12 weeks, Washington ranks 22nd in EPA per dropback and 25th in defensive passing DVOA. Washington’s four interceptions are tied for the fourth-fewest in the league, while their 19 passing touchdowns allowed are tied for ninth-most in the NFL.
Cornerback Benjamin St-Juste’s 567 passing yards allowed is the second-most of any defensive back in the league with at least eight games played.
Lattimore arriving at the right time
Lattimore joining practice for the first time since the Nov. 5 trade is excellent news. The next steps involve working through the week with the hopes of playing against the Titans and how the coaching staff integrates the cover corner into the defense.
Washington’s three-game losing streak may create more urgency to get Lattimore, 28, on the field Sunday. The counter is waiting since the Commanders finally have a bye week after the Tennessee game. Then again, the wait has been long enough. — Ben Standig, Washington Commanders beat writer
Other Commanders injury news
Brian Robinson practicing is good news after a limited role against Dallas after suffering the ankle on the opening drive. Washington is 2-3 this season in games Robinson either missed or was hurt in-game.
Austin Ekeler seems like a longshot to face the Titans after his second concussion of the season (Week 3) and unofficially fourth of his NFL career. Wylie joined his teammates for stretching on Wednesday, but his status likely won’t be determined until Friday. Trent Scott or Cornelius Lucas are the backup options.
Quinn also shared that kicker Austin Seibert went on IR Tuesday after telling the staff he suffered a groin injury against the Cowboys. Seibert missed the previous two games with a hip injury, and then missed three kicks in his return including the potential game-tying extra point with 21 seconds remaining. — Standig
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