The Washington Commanders released their 2023 first-round pick, Emmanuel Forbes, on Saturday, ending their connection with another high draft selection from the previous coaching staff.
All of former coach Ron Rivera’s first-round picks — including edge rusher Chase Young in 2020, linebacker Jamin Davis in 2021, and wide receiver Jahan Dotson in 2022 — are now gone. Forbes didn’t show progress under the new coach, Dan Quinn, and was a healthy scratch twice this season. He also didn’t play in two other games even though he was on the roster.
It’s unclear if Forbes’ release has anything to do with the status of cornerback Marshon Lattimore, whom the Commanders acquired at the trade deadline in early November. Lattimore has yet to play for the team due to a hamstring injury and was listed as doubtful for Washington’s home game against Tennessee on Sunday.
The Commanders (7-5) also placed running back Austin Ekeler on injured reserve due to a concussion. They promoted kicker Zane Gonzalez and defensive tackle Carl Davis from the practice squad in preparation for their game against the Titans (3-8).
Washington has lost three straight games, dropping from first place in the NFC East to the final wild-card spot in the conference. The most recent loss was to division rival Dallas, where a missed extra point by Austin Seibert in the final moments prevented the game from tying.
Seibert was placed on injured reserve earlier in the week due to a groin injury, which Quinn said Seibert reported on Monday.
Injuries have been a challenge for the Commanders as they await their late bye week. The selection of Forbes, who weighed just 166 pounds, has been questioned since Rivera’s front office chose him with the 16th pick over other players like Christian Gonzalez. Gonzalez, selected right after Forbes by New England, has started all 16 games for the Patriots.
Forbes was benched last season by Rivera, who also made other questionable picks like choosing Jamin Davis over offensive lineman Christian Darrisaw in 2021 and taking Jahan Dotson instead of safety Kyle Hamilton or wide receiver Chris Olave in 2022. Forbes has two interceptions and 12 passes defensed in 20 games.
