The Washington Commanders will face a setback in their 2024 rookie class and team progression as rookie defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton, a second-round pick, will be sidelined due to surgery on his left foot for a partial Jones fracture, as reported by NBC Sports Washington’s JP Finlay.
Newton, who earned accolades as the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year during his college tenure at Illinois despite a similar injury to his right foot in 2023, will undergo the procedure without a set timeline for his return, according to Washington head coach Dan Quinn.
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This recurrent injury, although affecting the opposite foot from his college season, presents similar challenges and necessitates medical attention, with the recovery period potentially extending from six weeks to several months, as indicated by My Health.
Commanders Dealing With Trade Rumors at DT
The Commanders have been grappling with trade speculation regarding their standout defensive tackle Jonathan Allen ever since they drafted Jer’Zhan Newton with the 36th overall pick. Terence Watson, from Commander Country, suggests that Newton could eventually step into Allen’s shoes, especially given Allen’s discontent and the arrival of a new coach and defensive scheme. Watson emphasizes that even though Allen has been a talented asset for the franchise, the dynamics could change, particularly with Newton’s similar attributes.
Allen’s frustrations with the Commanders’ performance boiled over in 2023, exacerbated by the team’s lackluster record during his tenure. Following a disappointing loss to the New York Giants in October 2023, Allen vented his frustrations in a profanity-laden tirade, highlighting the team’s struggles.
With Newton sidelined indefinitely, the persistent trade rumors surrounding Allen might ease up for now.
