The Washington Commanders face a significant setback ahead of their Week 2 home opener against the New York Giants as rookie cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr. is set to undergo surgery to repair a torn UCL in his thumb.
This unexpected development leaves the Commanders without one of their most promising defensive talents as they look to secure their first win of the season.
NFL Insider Ian Rapoport reported that Forbes, who was drafted in the first round, will undergo surgery to address the thumb injury that has been troubling him since the start of the season.
By opting for surgery now, the Commanders aim to resolve the issue that could have impacted Forbes’ performance all season long. The move, however, means Washington will be without Forbes for an undetermined period.
Forbes’ NFL debut was a challenging one, as he struggled against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 1. The rookie allowed several big plays and committed two penalties, contributing to a 37-20 loss.
Despite the rough start, Commanders head coach Dan Quinn remained committed to Forbes’ development, viewing him as a key piece for the future. However, his absence will leave a gap in Washington’s secondary as they prepare to face a division rival.
The injury report ahead of Sunday’s game also includes other key updates for the Commanders. Defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton remains limited with a foot issue, while tight end Zach Ertz and running back Brian Robinson Jr. have returned to full practice.
Meanwhile, the Giants have injury concerns of their own, with rookie receiver Malik Nabers listed as limited with a knee injury.
As the Commanders aim to bounce back from their Week 1 loss, the absence of Forbes presents an additional challenge for their defense.
The Giants will likely look to exploit this gap in Washington’s secondary, adding urgency for the Commanders to find alternative ways to strengthen their backfield.
Be the first to comment