4 Commanders Sitting Out Practice As Divisional Round Preparation Begins

The Washington Commanders will be without four players on Tuesday as preparation for the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs begins.
Jan 12, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz (86) before a NFC wild card playoff against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Jan 12, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz (86) before a NFC wild card playoff against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images / Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
In this story:

ASHBURN, Va. -- Time to celebrate wins for teams like the Washington Commanders is short.

Coming off a big victory in the Wild Card Round of the NFL Playoffs, the Commanders had little over 24 hours to enjoy their success before getting back to practice in preparation for an even tougher matchup against the Detroit Lions this Saturday night.

When Washington stepped out for the first time, however, it did so without four players: receiver Jamison Crowder, tight end Zach Ertz, defensive end Clelin Ferrell, and outside linebacker Dante Fowler Jr.

Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz.
Jan 12, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz (86) before a NFC wild card playoff against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images / Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

"Much like last game, I told you we'll play our best complimentary game all year offensively, defensively, and special teams, and Detroit and this game calls for that again," Commanders coach Dan Quinn said before practice on Tuesday. "And we're working hard on all of those things from our field position stuff, our winning time moments, just all of it."

Ertz getting a veteran rest day isn't new, and the fact that he's been getting those all year has helped him have an impressive career revival in Washington this season.

Crowder spent time on injured reserve with a calf injury before returning late in the year and has been a crucial part of the special teams while also stepping up in critical moments over the last month of play. He was working through a hamstring injury last week but was able to play and contribute as the team's punt returner against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Ferrell and Fowler have also been familiar names missing practice but have so far been able to compete in the majority of contests this year. Fowler specifically has had a career year with the Commanders, racking up 10.5 sacks, 39 tackles, and scoring the first touchdown of his career on a pick-six against the Carolina Panthers in October.

Quinn didn't sound too concerned over the potential game statuses of any of the players listed here, and having the rest of the team on the practice field is a great sign that Washington should be as healthy as it can ask to be when traveling north to face the Detroit Lions in the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs.


Stick with CommanderGameday and the Locked On Commanders podcast for more FREE coverage of the Washington Commanders throughout the 2024 season.

More Washington Commanders News

Best and Worst Graded Commanders Defensive Players vs. Buccaneers Wild Card

Insider: Jets Request Interview For Commanders DC Joe Whitt Jr.

Hall of Fame QB Reveals 'What People Miss' About Jayden Daniels, Patrick Mahomes

Commanders QB Jayden Daniels Shares Secret to Success


Published
David Harrison
DAVID HARRISON

David Harrison has covered the NFL since 2015 as a digital content creator in both written and audio media. He is the host of Locked On Commanders and a graduate of the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University. His previous career was as a Military Working Dog Handler for the United States Army. Contact David via email at david.w.harrison82@gmail.com or on Twitter @DHarrison82.