Game status | Jeremy Chinn, Zach Ertz questionable against Eagles

Game status | Jeremy Chinn, Zach Ertz questionable against Eagles

Tight end Zach Ertz and safety Jeremy Chinn are questionable for the Washington Commanders’ division game against the Philadelphia Eagles this Sunday.

Both Ertz and Chinn left last weekend’s game against the New Orleans Saints with concussions. Ertz went to the locker room after his head hit the turf on a one-handed 19-yard reception in the second quarter, while Chinn went down after a collision on a 25-yard catch by Marquez Valdes-Scantling.

Chinn was back in practice Wednesday, wearing a black “no-contact” jersey and was listed as limited on the injury report. Ertz returned after his break on Wednesday and also wore the black jersey. Both players were full participants on Friday.

The Commanders are prepared for the possibility that one or both players will be out for Sunday’s game, but Chinn and Ertz bring unique skills to each side of the ball that will be difficult to replace. Chinn has been a physical player for the Commanders’ defense, playing in all of the team’s defensive snaps over the last five games.

Ertz, on the other hand, brings experienced leadership and all-around talent, which has been a blessing for the Commanders all season. Ertz was one of Jayden Daniels’ favorite targets with 54 catches and four touchdowns.

“He’s just a guy that’s a safety net for a quarterback at all times,” offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury said. “He has a knack for being open, a knack for making the big play, and so I thought we didn’t handle that (replacing him against the Saints) particularly well. As a coaching staff, we need to have better answers when something like this happens because he is such an important part of what we have done this year.

The Commanders will need both Ertz and Chinn on Sunday against the Eagles, who have put together a top-10 offense and defense while winning a franchise-record 10 straight games.

Kicker Zane Gonzalez will be available for the Commanders after being ruled out against the Saints. Gonzalez missed practice on Wednesday for personal reasons, but participated fully on Thursday and Friday.

Both guard Sam Cosmi and tight end John Bates missed practice at various times this week while recovering from illnesses, but will be available for Sunday’s game.

Defensive tackle Jonathan Allen is the only player missing against the Eagles, head coach Dan Quinn confirmed in his press conference Friday. The Commanders opened the 21-day window for Allen to return to the active roster at some point this season. Allen underwent surgery to repair a partially torn pectoral muscle he sustained against the Baltimore Ravens.

Allen impressed both Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. with his physical preparation during his first week of practice in nearly two months, but Quinn said Allen wasn’t ready to suit up yet. There is optimism that he will be available for Washington’s Sunday Night Football game against the Atlanta Falcons, which will have significant playoff implications for both teams.

For more Commanders news, stay tuned to bet365.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *