Washington Commanders Roster Update: Jonathan Allen’s 21-day practice window opens

Jon Allen wants to get back on the field

It was reported on Friday that Jonathan Allen’s pectoral injury wasn’t as bad as initially feared, and he was pushing to return this season.

Allen suffered the injury in a Week 6 loss at Baltimore, but during surgery doctors discovered that his muscle was only partially torn, sparking the initial hope for a late-season return. Further checkups have at least helped him maintain the belief that a return is possible, sources said.

The Washington Commanders announced this morning that they have opened the 21-day practice window for Allen to return from injured reserve. He was placed on IR in the middle of October and has missed Washington’s last 8 games.

Allen’s return will be a welcome addition to a defensive line that has been bolstered by the team elevating Carl Davis from the practice squad, while former second round pick Phidarian Mathis has been a healthy scratch. Daron Payne, Jer’Zhan Newton, and Sheldon Day have been the top defensive linemen with Allen out. Newton was a second round pick this year, but hasn’t had the impact some people were expecting.

Washington has three games left in the season, starting with a home game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Allen now has three weeks to return, and could be activated from IR for this week’s game. He will be available, if activated, for a potential playoff run if Washington wins enough games to clinch their spot.