Commanders to be without CB Marshon Lattimore vs. Falcons as hamstring injury lingers

ASHBURN, Va. — The Washington Commanders have experience playing without injured cornerback Marshon Lattimore. Another unwanted absence will happen in Sunday’s critical matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.

The Commanders ruled out the four-time Pro Bowler, among five players, following a recurrence of a lingering hamstring injury that cost Lattimore five games earlier this season. This occurs as defensive tackle Jonathan Allen appears poised to rejoin the active roster for the first time since undergoing surgery for a torn pectoral suffered in Week 6.

Lattimore did not practice this week as the 10-5 Commanders prepared for the Falcons. With a victory on “Sunday Night Football,” Washington would clinch its first playoff berth since 2020 and notch an 11-win season for the first time since 1991.

Lattimore previously missed the initial four games after the Commanders acquired him from the New Orleans Saints at the Nov. 5 trade deadline. The 2017 Defensive Rookie of the Year made his Washington debut on Nov. 15 against his former team. The following week, he exited in the fourth quarter during Washington’s 36-33 comeback victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.

Asked about Lattimore’s status, coach Dan Quinn’s response lumped in other players absent from Friday’s practice. “For those guys, it seems hard for them to make it all the way back” for Sunday, Quinn said.

Washington also ruled out right tackle Andrew Wylie (groin), wide receiver Dyami Brown (hamstring), linebacker Jordan Magee (hamstring) and safety Tyler Owens (ankle).

Wide receiver Terry McLaurin was removed from the injury report after popping up with an ankle issue. Tight end Zach Ertz practiced in full the past two days after a shoulder injury limited him to one catch against Philadelphia.

Allen received a “questionable” designation. Quinn’s optimism hours earlier about the lineman’s chance of facing the Falcons is likely the more accurate barometer.

“He had a really good week,” Quinn said of Allen’s practice work. “I’m very encouraged.”

Allen was expected to miss the entire season following surgery but has made significant recovery strides recently. Washington opened his 21-practice-day window last week, and the two-time Pro Bowl selection practiced in full this week.

Barring a setback, the Commanders will likely activate Allen and make a corresponding roster move on Saturday.

“To my knowledge, (I’m playing),” Allen said in the locker room on Thursday, “but I don’t want to speak for the team. I’m preparing as if I’m playing.”

The 2017 first-round pick is among the longest-tenured players on the roster, meaning Allen never experienced a winning NFL season until this year — when he had to watch nine games while recovering. Despite the lengthy absence, the powerful lineman with 41 career sacks appears to have maintained his strength. Allen’s presence will help a defense that ranks 30th with 4.8 yards allowed per carry.

“Whenever you’re not out there with the team, it’s always tough,” Allen said. “I knew there was going to be an opportunity for me to come back. … Whenever it is, I’ll be glad to be back out there.”

Adding Lattimore gave defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. a player capable of one-on-one matchups with top targets. Atlanta’s Drake London is eighth in the NFC with 83 receptions and is 22 yards shy of a 1,000-yard season. Without Lattimore, Washington will lean on impressive second-round rookie Mike Sainristil and slot CB Noah Igbinoghene.

On paper, 6-foot-3 former starter Benjamin St-Juste is a logical replacement for Lattimore, but his penchant for getting penalized and giving up yards should offer ample snaps for another veteran, Mike Davis.

Swing tackle Cornelius Lucas replaced an injured Wylie in the Dec. 1 victory over the Titans and will replace again versus a Falcons team that ranks last with 26 sacks. Brown’s absence means more routes for Jamison Crowder and Olamide Zaccheaus. Both scored two touchdowns against the Eagles. Good chance K.J. Osborn or Chris Moore is elevated from the practice squad.

Backup quarterback Marcus Mariota is considered questionable after missing the last two days for personal reasons but is expected back with the team for the game.