ASHBURN, Va. — Washington starting defensive end Clelin Ferrell will miss Monday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals with a knee injury, leaving a struggling defense missing a key defender.
Ferrell, who signed a one-year contract during the offseason, has been battling an undisclosed knee problem this season. He was listed as questionable for Week 2 against the New York Giants but played and recorded a sack. Ferrell was also listed on the injured list in Week 1 but was a full participant in practice that week.
Washington (1-1) hosts the Bengals (0-2) on Monday night. The Commanders defense ranks 29th in points allowed and 22nd in yards allowed per game.
“[Ferrell] “He’s an absolute warrior for us. Luckily, this isn’t a long-term issue,” Washington coach Dan Quinn said.
Ferrell was placed on injured reserve after suffering a left knee injury in the regular-season finale of last season’s playoffs at San Francisco, but it’s unclear if that is related to his current issues.
Ferrell led the team with two sacks for Washington, which also has veteran Dante Fowler Jr., rookie Javonte Jean-Baptiste and converted linebacker Jamin Davis rotating at end to fill in for Ferrell.
Quinn said the team will make a decision on cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr.’s status during pregame warmups, but he will likely play next week against Arizona. Forbes had right thumb surgery after the season began and sat out Week 2’s game against the Giants.
