The Washington Commanders might be getting some unexpected reinforcements on the defensive line as they try to hold onto a potential postseason berth.
The Commanders opened defensive tackle Jonathan Allen's 21-day window to return the roster earlier today, meaning the two-time Pro Bowler was allowed to practice for the first time since suffering a pectoral injury in Week 6 against the Baltimore Ravens.
Allen, who underwent surgery to repair his partially torn pec, was originally thought to be lost for the season, but head coach Dan Quinn said his rehab process has been "remarkable." Now, Allen has a chance to appear in one of Washington's remaining three regular-seasons game, or possibly a playoff game.
"He looked not like a person who had this surgery," Quinn said.
Allen's return became a possibility after he underwent surgery to repair the injury. According to reports, doctors discovered that his pectoral muscle was only partially torn, sparking optimism that he could come back at some point if he were able to prove he could regain his strength and make a full recovery in time.
Allen was optimistic but didn't want to get too ahead of himself.
"You just never know," Allen said. "I just wanted to work in silence and just keep going until I had a real opportunity."
As with other injuries, Quinn and the Commanders wanted to ensure that Allen hit all the markers necessary to make a full recovery. So far, Allen has done that and looked impressive doing it. He still has some progress to make before the team will activate him, but it seems that nothing has deterred Allen from being able to play by the end of the season, which was the initial window the team had in mind.
"He's built different, for sure," Quinn said.
Allen was back on the practice field Wednesday wearing a black "no contact" jersey and participating in individual drills with his fellow defensive linemen. In the portion that was open to the media, Allen fired out of his stance and bull rushed a bag held by defensive line coach Darryl Tapp. The motions didn't seem to hinder him in any way.
"I think it's just about going out there and feeling comfortable," Allen said. "Today was a really good day for me. Good first day, but that's all it was. We're going to take it one day at a time."
Assuming Allen is able to be cleared to play within the 21-day window, the Commanders could certainly use a player of his caliber. They currently hold the No. 7 seed in the playoffs but need to hold off other teams like the Atlanta Falcons who are vying for that spot as well. Two of their next three opponents -- the Falcons and Philadelphia Eagles -- are in the top 12 of rushing yards per game, while the Cowboys ranked fifth in rushing yards over the last three games.
Even if Allen is on a pitch count, having him back would provide a boost to a Commanders defense that has allowed 132 yards per game on the ground.
"He's [Allen's] just hit the spots, so we'll continue down that way," Quinn said.
Considering the position that Washington is in with a 9-5 record in Week 16 -- its best start since 1992 -- with a chance to lock up a playoff spot, Allen is excited about the possibility of being back to help his teammates win.
"It always feels good," Allen said. "My focus has always been just coming in and trying to help any way possible. That's all I'm focusing on right now."
Per league rules, the Commanders have 21 days to activate Allen off Injured Reserve and can do so at any time in that window. If they decide not to activate him, he will need to return to Injured Reserve for the rest of the season. He would be ineligible to play in a potential playoff game in that circumstance.
