Commanders Face Setback with Seibert's Injured Reserve Placement
The Washington Commanders have encountered a significant hurdle in the midst of their NFL season as kicker Austin Seibert has been placed on injured reserve. Seibert's injury compounds the sting of last Sunday's 34-26 home loss to the Dallas Cowboys, where he missed two pivotal extra-point attempts.
Up until the recent game, Seibert had been flawless with his 22 successful extra-point attempts, establishing himself as a reliable component of the Commanders' special teams. However, during the showdown against the Cowboys, he faltered in crucial moments. His first missed extra point came after a 17-yard touchdown run by Jayden Daniels in the third quarter. A subsequent miss followed an impressive 86-yard touchdown pass connecting Daniels to Terry McLaurin, leaving Washington trailing by a narrow 27-26 margin.
Despite taking the field with concerns about his right hip, Seibert assured that he felt ready to play. "I felt fine. That's why I made the decision to play, and here we are," he shared, emphasizing his determination to contribute. Nevertheless, such confidence did little to prevent the possible consequences of his performance.
In reflection on the game, Seibert expressed regret, remarking, "I just want to play better for my teammates, you know, definitely don't want to do that. Just wasn't striking well, but it means a lot to me to be here with these guys, so I just want to put my best foot... moving forward." The missed extra points, particularly his final attempt, were not without reason, according to Seibert. Even after a low snap during his final extra-point attempt, he took full responsibility, stating, "It didn't make a difference at all. It's on me."
While the Commanders grappled with Seibert's missed opportunities, the Dallas Cowboys were capitalizing on their momentum. Notably, the Cowboys became the first team in NFL history to register two kickoff return touchdowns in the fourth quarter of a single game. This historic feat helped them overcome a 10.5-point odds disadvantage. CeeDee Lamb, a crucial contributor to the Cowboys’ success, lightheartedly remarked, "Shoutout [Commanders kicker Austin Seibert]. He went to OU with me. He gave us one."
As the Commanders move forward without Seibert, the team faces the challenge of filling the void left by his absence. They must also pivot to regaining their momentum in the remainder of the season. Given the tight scorelines and fierce competition in the NFL, securing a dependable kicker becomes even more critical as the season ebbs towards its climax.
Seibert’s placement on injured reserve presents an adversity the Commanders had hoped to avoid. Yet, it also opens a window for re-evaluation and adaptation—a hallmark of resilient NFL teams. As fans and analysts focus on how Washington’s special teams will evolve, the upcoming games will test the depth and adaptability of the squad as they strive to bounce back from recent setbacks.