If you were wondering exactly what kind of team the Washington Commanders have this year, a heavy dose of early season adversity is about to let us all know.
One day after a 27-18, Week 2 road loss to the Green Bay Packers, the Commanders found out they’d lost 2 starters to season-ending injuries after defensive end Deatrich Wise suffered a quad injury that will sideline him for the rest of 2025.
NFL All-Pro running back/return specialist Austin Ekeler also tore his Achilles tendon against the Packers and won’t return this year.
“Commanders DE Deatrich Wise, who was carted off from Thursday night’s game vs. the Packers, suffered a season-ending quad injury, per source,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter wrote on his official X account on September 12.
Wise addressed the injury in an emotional Instagram post.
“I’m truly grateful for all the love, prayers, and support I’ve received,” Wise wrote on September 12. “This was an unfortunate experience, but when you give so much to the game and do everything you can to improve for yourself and for your team’s success it can feel like there’s a lot to play for. When you stop, it can feel like everything around you stops too. But I know the best healer … God only puts us through what we can handle, and every challenge carries a lesson. Out of every test comes growth, shaping us into who we need to become to accomplish the goals we set from the start. I’m on the path to becoming the highest version of myself. And on the bright side I get to spend time with my family and my sons.”
The Commanders have extra time off before after playing on Thursday night and return home to face the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 3 on Sunday, September 21.
Commanders Looked Lost On Defense vs. Packers
Even before Wise’s injury, the Commanders looked absolutely lost on defense against the Packers.
Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love picked the Commanders apart by going 19-of-31 passing for 292 yards, 2 touchdowns and no interceptions while Packers running backs churned out 135 rushing yards and one touchdown.
Perhaps the worst development for the Commanders — aside from the injuries — was the Packers exposed a massive flaw in Washington’s defense. Love fed the ball to tight end Tucker Kraft to the tune of 6 receptions for 124 yards and 1 touchdown and showed the Commanders don’t have linebackers or safeties who can adequately cover elite tight ends.
With arguably the NFL’s best tight end up next with Raiders All-Pro Brock Bowers, that’s a problem.
Wise Brought Veteran Presence to Commanders
Wise is in his first season with the Commanders after spending his first 8 seasons with the New England Patriots, where he played in 2 Super Bowls and won a title following the 2018 season.
Wise signed a 1-year, $3.25 million free agent contract with the Commanders In March and has approximately $31 million in career earnings through 9 seasons.
“Losing Deatrich Wise Jr for the season & Austin Ekeler having a potentially career ending injury in the same night is tough,” X user Jay Daniels MVP wrote on their official account. “Just a horrible night for Washington.”
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