The Washington Commanders made it official on Friday. They will be without starting linebacker Frankie Luvu and starting tight end Chig Okonkwo for Sunday’s Week 2 game against the Dallas Cowboys.
“Frankie and Chig weren’t able to make it back this week,” head coach Dan Quinn said on Friday. “Guys are working hard. We’ll see what it looks like for next week. So, I wanted to give you all the info I have before we get rolling.”
Luvu strained his groin in the third quarter of Washington’s Week 1 game against the Philadelphia Eagles, while Okonkwo suffered a hamstring injury. Neither appears to be a long-term issue.
How will the Commanders compensate for Okonkwo’s loss?
“It’ll have to come obviously in different spaces and people of how we would deploy
them,” Quinn said. “I’m pleased with the work that I’ve seen from him, but at that position, we do have guys with some speed that can still bring things vertically down the field. Specifically, Ben [Sinnott] and [Colson] Yank [Yankoff] into those spots. But it’s definitely significant.”
Fortunately, the Commanders have solid depth at tight end with Sinnott, Yankoff, and blocking ace John Bates. However, none offer the same type of athleticism as Okonkwo. Yankoff could be the one to watch.
Luvu’s loss may be even more significant.
"There’s an energy that comes with him,” Quinn said of Luvu. “I like him as a blitzer. You’ve seen us feature him in that way this year as opposed to last year. It was more like we did his first year here. And that’s a good role for him. He’s aggressive. He’s flying. So, he does bring a certain energy to the whole group in general. From a communication standpoint, both Sonny [Styles] and Leo [Chenal], too strong suits for them, in control, in command, but we’ll definitely miss Frankie in that space.”
Washington could elevate linebacker Ale Kaho to provide extra depth. The Commanders also have Kain Medrano, who plays exclusively on special teams. Top reserve linebacker Jordan Magee was placed on injured reserve earlier this week with a hamstring injury.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders rule out two key starters for Sunday vs. Cowboys
