The staunch Redskins defense received some tough injury news yesterday – rookie defensive lineman Jonathan Allen is done for the remainder of the 2017 season. Allen suffered the injury in the second half of Washington’s 26-24 victory over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.
Allen sustained a Lisfranc sprain, and although at first Redskins head coach Jay Gruden seemed optimistic about a quicker return, news broke yesterday from several outlets that Allen will require surgery, and is indeed done for the remainder of 2017.
Allen had started all five games in his rookie campaign, and was part of a four-man rotation at defensive end. Much of his playing time has come in nickel packages where he has consistently created inside pressure. The Redskins are currently ranked fifth best against the run, and Allen’s presence has definitely contributed to Washington holding opponents to less than 100 yards rushing each game (88 yard average).
As Allen has been part of a rotation, the three other guys in that rotation will be responsible for accounting for Allen’s loss – Matt Ioannidis, Stacy McGee and Terrell McClain. Ioannidis has come on strong of late, and was credited with 1.5 sacks and 4 quarterback pressures against the 49ers.
Anthony Lanier has not been active for a game yet this season, but the undrafted rookie out of Alabama A&M will likely see that change this week with the injury to Allen.