Dan Quinn speaks to the media before practice
Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn spoke to the media after today’s practice and made several announcements. Former Eagles TE Zach Ertz will be a team captain for his return to Philadelphia. RB Jeremy McNichols and rookie CB Mike Sainristil will serve as Washington’s other two captains for a critical primetime division game.
The Commanders have a big list of injuries on a short week, and three players have already been ruled out for Thursday night’s game. Kicker Austin Seibert(hip), LB Nick Bellore(knee), and CB Marshon Lattimore(hamstring) have all been ruled out. None of them practiced this week, and they were all expected to miss the Eagles game. Seibert was replaced by Zane Gonzalez last week, and he will get elevated from the practice squad again after going 5/5 for FGs and XPs vs the Steelers. Nick Bellore is a key special teams player who can also contribute on defense. He injured his knee vs Pittsburgh, and misses his first game with Washington.
Marshon Lattimore was a trade deadline pickup from the New Orleans Saints who was expected by some to come in and transform Washington’s defense, and add some juice to their playoff hopes. Adam Peters talked about trading for injured players, and long-term plans for the 4-time Pro Bowler. Dan Quinn’s reaction to a question about his availability for tomorrow’s game was another sign that Lattimore wouldn’t be available on the field until Washington’s home game against the Dallas Cowboys on November 24th at the earliest. He’s officially out for his second game with the team, and now has 11 more days to get his hamstring right, and continue to install Joe Whitt’s defense.
In more positive news, both RB Brian Robinson(hamstring) and RT Andrew Wylie(shoulder) are trending in the right direction to play tomorrow. Robinson has missed the last two games, and has sounded positive about his return to the field all week. Quinn said today that he’s shown good signs that he’ll be ready to play this week. Wylie was active last week, but didn’t start, or play, after testing the shoulder out pre-game. He said today that he’s confident he’ll play vs the Eagles.
Dan Quinn
Dan Quinn seems quite excited about this Thursday night division game pic.twitter.com/HlkQHCZDwm
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) November 13, 2024
Team captains:
TNF captains pic.twitter.com/DZvm2K8y4l
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) November 13, 2024
Thursday’s captains: TE Zach Ertz, RB Jeremy McNichols and CB Mike Sainristil.
— John Keim (@john_keim) November 13, 2024
Injury updates:
OUT for the Commanders in Philly tomorrow:
LB Nick Bellore (knee)
CB Marshon Lattimore (hamstring)
K Austin Seibert (hip)— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) November 13, 2024
Brian Robinson:
Brian Robinson showed “good sign” today to be ready vs Philly
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) November 13, 2024
Terry McLaurin
No distractions:
Big game. Short week.
The Commanders getting ready to face the Eagles.
Terry McLaurin said, “they are only distractions if you allow them to be. I think we have a great group here that won’t allow that to be a reason that holds us back.” pic.twitter.com/PgdtWzCbyI
— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) November 13, 2024
Olamide Zaccheaus
Muffed punts:
I spoke with Commanders WR Olamide Zaccheus today.
Two muffed punts vs. the Steelers.
OZ told me, “you can’t dwell on it because it will snow ball if you let it. I do a lot of things outside of the field too. Meditating and praying to keep the mental in the moment.” pic.twitter.com/phil3I8Vk0
— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) November 13, 2024
Brian Robinson Jr
Returning vs Philly:
The Washington Commanders would love to have RB Brian Robinson Jr. for Thursday’s showdown with the Eagles.
On if he will play on Thursday, BRob said, “I think I have a really great chance…I’ve improved tremendously…starting to build confidence in it again.” pic.twitter.com/x5CeU23ic4
— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) November 13, 2024
Andrew Wylie
Returning vs Philly:
The Washington Commanders are hopeful to get RT Andrew Wylie back for Thursday’s clash in Philly.
On his shoulder injury, Andrew said, “It’s been coming along nicely. We’ve been doing everything we can here to get it ready and I’m feeling confident for this Thursday.” pic.twitter.com/xT5bk7N7YD
— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) November 13, 2024
Dante Fowler Jr
Playing in Philly:
The Washington Commanders won’t be intimidated by the Linc or those rowdy Eagles fans.
Dante Fowler Jr. said, “I love those type of environments. I love the Philly fans, how hostile they are…gives me an extra confidence booster to go out there and try to beat them.” pic.twitter.com/1qPOMYiDRc
— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) November 13, 2024
Bobby Wagner
Why is Commanders LB Bobby Wagner one of the most respected NFL players.
Example here.
I could not say the word compartmentalize. Tried 3 times, wouldn’t come out right.
He could have really called me out, instead, Bobby said,
“hey players mess up man, it’s all good.”— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) November 13, 2024
Frankie Luvu
Road division game:
We caught up with Commanders LB Frankie Luvu today outside the locker room.
Frankie talked about playing a division opponent away from home.
He said, “go on the road, you gotta win, especially at their house.” pic.twitter.com/jpXZje1Sco
— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) November 13, 2024
Quan Martin
Playing in Philly:
The Linc. Philly Fans.
Yep, it’s going to be rowdy on Thursday night when the Commanders travel to play the Eagles.
Why do players enjoy playing on the road?
Quan Martin said, “going to someone else’s house and just owning it. Excited to go play in Philly, honestly.” pic.twitter.com/SG0GZZbnhr
— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) November 13, 2024