Washington Redskins rookie defensive lineman Jonathan Allen will be out 3-4 weeks with a foot injury, which comes at a horrible time in the season.
One of the big stories surrounding the Washington Redskins thus far this season is a rejuvenated defense. That unit has played a big part in their solid start to the 2017 campaign that has them in the mix near the top of the NFC East, though still trailing the Philadelphia Eagles.
A big reason for that defensive improvement is rookie first-round pick, Jonathan Allen. The Alabama Crimson Tide product has been a force when on the field on the defensive line.
Unfortunately, on Monday, head coach Jay Gruden announced Allen would be out at least 3-4 weeks with a Lisfranc foot injury:
#Redskins first-round pick DL Jonathan Allen has a lisfranc sprain and is out 3 or 4 weeks.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 16, 2017
The news is devasting for a team with a huge few weeks in front of it. Not only do the Redskins travel to first-place Philadelphia next Monday night, games with Seattle and Dallas await, too. This is a crucial stretch for the Redskins to be without their top defensive lineman. Allen will visit noted specialist Robert Anderson this week to determine the actual severity of the injury.
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Speaking with reporters on Monday, Gruden was asked about Allen and his impact thus far. He responded as such, per John Keim of ESPN:
"Just playing the position like a veteran. He’s a young player, but he plays it like a veteran. He has great fundamentals, great idea of run-pass and how to get off blocks. He has strong hands and he was getting a consistent pass-rush push. Just all-around, he’s played well."
Make no mistake about it, this is a tough blow. The Redskins hope Allen is out just the 3-4 weeks. But with injury comes an opportunity for someone else. Enter Anthony Lanier.
The second-year man out of Alabama A&M who played four games as a rookie in 2016, is about to join what has become a strong rotation. Defensive line coach Jim Tomsula has transformed this unit into a team strength and Matt Ioannidis is having a breakout season. Now, Gruden hopes Tomsula gets similar production from the massive Lanier. At 6-6, 286 pounds, Lanier has gained almost 30 pounds of muscle within the last year.
Gruden raved about Lanier and his length on Monday. All offseason, the head coach mentioned Lanier when asked about which players were having a strong offseason. Lanier also flashed in the preseason.
Can see why Gruden has praised Lanier multiple times throughout offseason. Raw, but athletic and strong. Good pressure vs RT here. pic.twitter.com/1rSYkQGHQL
— Mark Bullock (@MarkBullockNFL) August 11, 2017
If the Redskins can win two of their next three games minus Allen, they’ll be in a good position for the second half of the season. And, if Lanier develops as Gruden believes he’s capable of doing, Washington has another young stud on the defensive line.
Lanier isn’t the only player who’ll be tasked to replace some of Allen’s snaps. Free-agent acquisition Terrell McClain will also see more time. McClain struggled in the offseason, but has performed well in his opportunities this season.
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Allen’s injury comes at the worst possible time for the Redskins. With starting corners Josh Norman and Bashaud Breeland also ailing, this unit’s newfound depth is going to be tested. Life in the NFL is all about overcoming injuries and now we’re about to find out a lot about the Redskins.