Washington Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen tore his left pectoralis major muscle on Sunday and will miss the rest of the season, coach Dan Quinn announced Monday.
Allen suffered the tear during the third quarter of a 30-23 loss to Baltimore, rolling around in pain after running back Derrick Henry scored a 7-yard touchdown run with 2:12 left.
Allen was tested on the sideline and after the game, and then in the locker room expressed optimism about his health outlook. But an MRI scan Monday afternoon revealed the tear. Quinn said Allen would undergo surgery “within the next few days.”
Washington also had two other defensive linemen leave the game with injuries: defensive ends Dorrance Armstrong (ribs) and Javonte Jean-Baptiste (right foot). Mr Quinn said both were undergoing further tests. He said Jean-Baptiste’s first X-ray test was negative.
Allen has been one of Washington’s top defensive linemen since the team drafted him in the first round in 2017. He made the Pro Bowl in 2021 and 2022, totaling 16.5 sacks. Allen has two sacks in six games this season.
He and fellow defensive tackle Daron Payne (a 2018 first-round pick) formed a strong interior duo for Washington.
The Commanders drafted tackle Johnny Newton in the second round and also have 2021 second-round pick Fidalian Mathis. There’s also Efe Obada, who can move inside on pass rush downs.
“John is rare and has unique skills and talents, so he’s more than just plug-and-play,” Quinn said. “We have a deep staff and we’re going to feature all of them a little bit differently. But we’re definitely going to miss John, the strength and attitude he brings on the inside.”
Allen has one year left on his contract, but with no guaranteed money, the managers could save $17 million on the salary cap by letting him go.
