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Commanders Get Star Pass Rusher Back as Others Fall to Injury Before Divisional Rivalry Game
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- Commanders Get Star Pass Rusher Back as Others Fall to Injury Before Divisional Rivalry Game
Outside of a few explosive plays, the Commanders defense showed potential to be one of the top units in the league this year. This week, they'll add another piece to the equation as they get Dorance Armstrong back from suspension . Dealing with injuries of his own during 2025, Armstrong appeared in seven games and started five. He is entering the final year of a three-year, $33 million contract hoping to find a rhythm like he did in 2022 and 2023 when he was on the Cowboys.
During Week 1, Daronte Jones' defense blitzed on 50.9% of plays, second only to Brian Flores and the Minnesota Vikings . Adding Armstrong to the mix will give Jones more options as to who he gets to send into the pocket and who drops back into coverage. Thankfully for Jones and the Commanders, Sonny Styles has proved to be a menace wherever he is on the field. Armstrong will join Javon Kinlaw , Odafe Oweh , and K'Lavon Chaisson as the primary group of edge rushers. Assuming everyone stays healthy, this is a group that has the potential to be one of the best in the league based on how Jones calls plays.
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Linebacker group begins to thin out
Thankfully Styles is not included in the set of linebackers dealing with injuries. F rankie Luvu left the game on Sunday with a mild groin strain and did not return . His status is currently up in the air for Week 2 against the Cowboys. Luvu started the game calling plays on defense as the responsibility shifted to Styles once he left the game.
Jordan Magee was placed on injured reserve on Wednesday with a hamstring strain, meaning he'll miss a minimum of four games before he's eligible to return. Magee recorded two total tackles on Sunday in his limited role but acts as a crucial rotational piece in Daronte Jones' defense.
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Dec 25, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens (3) makes a catch defended by Washington Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu (4) and cornerback Jonathan Jones (31) in the fourth quarter at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Future of viral special teams player in jeopardy
Tyler Owens has been making headlines all week since he bulldozed through multiple opponents on Sunday . Owens is currently listed as questionable for Week 2 as he suffered an ankle injury after colliding with Jaylin Lane on a punt return.
Losing Owens would be a huge loss to the special teams unit as he constantly made his presence known limiting punt returns. He also has the potential to play safety serving as one of the most versatile players on the team.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Sep 16, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
