Commanders Face Setback as Seibert Hits Injured Reserve
In a disconcerting turn for the Washington Commanders, kicker Austin Seibert has been placed on injured reserve following a challenging game against the Dallas Cowboys. On a day when special teams struggles could not have been more glaring, Seibert missed two critical extra points in the Commanders' 34-26 loss, marking the end of a stellar streak of 22 successful conversions.
Seibert's missteps came at opportune moments for the Cowboys. His first missed extra point occurred following a thrilling 17-yard touchdown run by quarterback Jayden Daniels in the third quarter. Adding salt to the wound, Seibert missed again after a sensational 86-yard touchdown pass from Daniels to star wide receiver Terry McLaurin. As a result, the Commanders found themselves trailing by a single point, with the score sitting at 27-26 after the second failed kick.
Despite these setbacks on the scoreboard, it was Seibert’s physical condition that ultimately led to his placement on injured reserve. Troubled by a right hip issue that had been a concern, Seibert chose to play, asserting, "I felt fine. That's why I made the decision to play, and here we are."
Amidst the spotlight of a tense rivalry game, Seibert was candid about his performance, accepting responsibility by stating, "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." He further brushed off any notion that a low snap during his final attempt was to blame, saying, "It didn't make a difference at all. It's on me."
A Game of Historic Proportions for the Cowboys
While the Commanders tried to salvage the game, the Cowboys were riding high on a wave of record-breaking performances. Dallas overcame odds of 10.5 points against them to clinch a historic victory. They became the first team in NFL history to score two kickoff return touchdowns in a single fourth quarter, a feat that tipped the scales irreversibly in their favor.
CeeDee Lamb was an integral contributor to the Cowboys’ triumph, and he didn't miss the opportunity to appreciate the unfolding dynamic with a nod to Seibert. "Shoutout (Commanders kicker Austin Seibert). He went to OU with me. He gave us one," Lamb remarked after the game, indicating the camaraderie and competitive spirit stemming from their shared collegiate roots at the University of Oklahoma.
Looking Ahead for Washington
The Commanders, now grappling with the absence of Seibert, face the pressing task of finding a reliable successor. Despite the disappointment, Seibert’s determination to return and "be here with these guys"—once he recovers—points to a team intent on recovering momentum in the weeks ahead.
As the Commanders press on without their starting kicker, the franchise must swiftly address their special teams conundrum in order to stabilize and pursue victory in their upcoming fixtures. A temporary setback, to be sure, but with rigorous analysis and strategy adjustment, the team hopes to regain its footing and maintain competitive spirit in the NFL season.