The Washington Commanders will be without newly acquired cornerback Marshon Lattimore and starting running back Brian Robinson Jr. for their upcoming game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Both players are sidelined due to hamstring injuries. Lattimore, who was traded from the New Orleans Saints earlier this week, missed his previous game with New Orleans due to the same injury. Robinson, who also sat out last week’s game against the New York Giants, was limited in practice earlier this week but did not participate in Friday’s session.
In addition to Lattimore and Robinson, the Commanders will also be missing offensive tackle Cornelius Lucas, who has been out for the second consecutive game due to an ankle injury. Kicker Austin Seibert, who has been dealing with a hip injury, is listed as questionable for the game. Seibert was limited during practice on Thursday and Friday, and the team signed kicker Zane Gonzalez to the practice squad as a precautionary measure in case Seibert is unable to play.
The trade for Lattimore was significant, with Washington sending a third-, fourth-, and sixth-round draft pick to the Saints in exchange for the cornerback and a fifth-round pick. However, the Commanders have been cautious about his readiness, with coach Dan Quinn emphasizing the team’s commitment to the health of the player. Lattimore, who previously missed a game this season with a hamstring issue, has been working separately with trainers, and the team hopes to have a clearer picture of his availability for next week’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Robinson’s absence is notable as he has been a key contributor to the Commanders’ offense, leading the team with 461 rushing yards and six touchdowns. Although he has already missed two games this season, his return will be important for Washington’s running game. In the meantime, the team plans to use a rotation of running backs, including Austin Ekeler and Jeremy McNichols, to fill the void left by Robinson’s injury. They may also promote another running back from the practice squad to provide additional depth.
The Commanders have already elevated Chris Rodriguez Jr. from the practice squad three times this season, and if they do so again, they will need to keep him on the active roster. Alternatively, the team could choose to promote Michael Wiley from the practice squad as an additional option for the running back position. Washington’s ability to adapt to these injuries, particularly with key players like Lattimore and Robinson sidelined, will be critical as they prepare for their upcoming games.
