Commanders Rule Out DE Clelin Ferrell (Knee) for Monday vs. Bengals

ASHBURN, Va. – The Washington Commanders face a setback as starting defensive end Clelin Ferrell has been ruled out for Monday night’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals due to a knee injury. This absence further complicates the team’s defensive struggles.

Ferrell, who joined the Commanders on a one-year deal during the offseason, has been managing an undisclosed knee problem throughout the season. Despite being questionable ahead of the Week 2 matchup against the New York Giants, he managed to play that game and registered a sack. Prior to that, he was listed on the injury report for Week 1 but participated fully in practice.

The Commanders enter this Week 3 game with a record of 1-1, while the Bengals are still searching for their first victory at 0-2. Washington’s defense has faced significant challenges, currently ranking 29th in scoring defense and 22nd in total yards allowed per game.

Head coach Dan Quinn spoke highly of Ferrell, stating, “[Ferrell] is an absolute warrior for us. Good news is this is not something that’s a long-term issue.” This statement provides a glimmer of hope for the Commanders and their fans, indicating that Ferrell’s injury may not keep him sidelined for an extended period.

Last season, Ferrell had been placed on injured reserve with the San Francisco 49ers during the playoffs due to a left knee injury he sustained in the regular season finale. It remains unclear whether there is any connection between that previous injury and the current issue he is facing.

Despite the loss of Ferrell, he leads the team with two sacks recorded this season. The Commanders will look to veteran Dante Fowler Jr., rookie Javontae Jean-Baptiste, and converted linebacker Jamin Davis to fill the gap on the defensive line in his absence. This rotation will be crucial for maintaining pressure on the Bengals’ offense.

In addition to Ferrell’s situation, Coach Quinn noted updates on cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr., who has been dealing with a thumb injury since having surgery after the season opener. Forbes did not participate in the game against the Giants in Week 2, and Quinn mentioned that a decision regarding his status would be made during pre-game warmups. However, it seems more probable that Forbes will make a return in the following week’s game against the Arizona Cardinals.

With the current injuries and the overall performance of Washington’s defense, the Commanders are in a challenging position as they prepare to face the Bengals. Addressing these gaps effectively will be critical if the team hopes to improve their defensive ranking and maintain momentum as the season progresses.

This upcoming game will be pivotal for Washington, as they strive to bounce back from the previous week’s performance. The absence of key players like Ferrell can have a substantial impact, emphasizing the need for depth and resilience within the squad.

Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the Commanders adapt, both to the injury and to the demands of facing a desperate Bengals team looking for their first win of the season. Every game adds to the narrative of the season, and this one is shaping up to be especially significant.