The Washington Commanders have ruled out defensive end Dorance Armstrong for their Week 7 home matchup against the Carolina Panthers.
Armstrong, who came out of Washington's game against the Ravens with a rib injury, did not participate in practice all week. It's the latest blow to a Commanders defensive line that has already ruled Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jonathan Allen out for the season with a torn pectoral muscle and placed rookie defensive end Javontae Jean-Baptiste on Injured Reserve.
The Commanders have already added replacement depth to their front by signing defensive tackle Sheldon Day from the practice squad and added defensive end Jalyn Holmes, a 2018 fourth-round pick with seven years of experience to the active roster.
Coach Dan Quinn didn't anticipate Armstrong's injury would be a long-term situation, but his presence will be missed against a Panthers offensive line that's one of the better position groups on the opposing team. Armstrong leads the Commanders with 20 total pressures, including 11 hurries and five quarterback hits, according to Pro Football Focus.
On a more positive note, the Commanders are getting back to full strength on offense with Brian Robinson Jr. set to make his return after missing the Ravens game with a knee injury. Robinson said in the locker room after Thursday's practice that he felt more like himself after taking off of last week's practices. He was back on the field this week, which should provide a boost for the running game and offense as a whole. He is officially listed as questionable, although Quinn said on Friday that Robinson had a strong week of practice.
"He's a big part of what we do," said offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. "I mean, both emotionally and physically. The way he plays the game, the joy he plays with, what he brings to practice, that's a big deal for us as a unit."
Other key offensive players, such as wideout Noah Brown, guard Nick Allegretti and center Tyler Biadasz, will all be available after appearing on the injury report with various injuries.
At linebacker, it's possible the Commanders will activate rookie Jordan Magee off the Injured Reserve list, although Quinn was not asked about that possibility on Friday. The 21-day window for him to return to the active roster is closing soon, and if the Commanders elect not to do so, he must return to IR for the rest of the season. Magee is listed as questionable
Tyler Owens, who has dealt with a shin injury, has been ruled out and will miss his third straight game. Clelin Ferrell (knee) is listed as questionable.
The remaining players on the Commanders' injury report, including Percy Butler (groin), Quan Martin (neck), Daron Payne (knee) and Emmanuel Forbes Jr. (thumb), will all be available.
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