Washington Commanders Face Kicking Challenge as Austin Seibert Lands on Injured Reserve
In the aftermath of a bitter 34-26 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, the Washington Commanders face yet another hurdle as they place kicker Austin Seibert on injured reserve. Seibert’s unexpected misfires on two extra-point attempts added an unfortunate twist to an already challenging contest for the Commanders. Prior to Sunday’s game, Seibert was flawless, having converted all 22 of his extra-point attempts this season. However, his streak came to a sudden halt, significantly impacting the game’s final outcome.
Seibert’s misfortune began following a 17-yard touchdown run by Commanders’ quarterback Jayden Daniels in the third quarter. His missed extra point left the score leaning unfavorably towards the Cowboys. The second missed attempt came on the heels of an electrifying 86-yard touchdown pass from Daniels to Terry McLaurin. With the Commanders trailing the Cowboys 27-26 after this crucial miss, the team’s hopes for a comeback seemed to wane.
Beyond the scoreline, Seibert's performance was a personal stumble. In the post-game interviews, he candidly acknowledged his struggles, saying, "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." There was speculation about whether a low snap affected his second missed point, but Seibert dismissed this notion, shouldering the blame. "It didn't make a difference at all. It's on me," he admitted, taking full responsibility for his performance on the field.
Interestingly, Seibert played despite concerns over his right hip. Ahead of the game against the Cowboys, he had asserted his physical readiness, stating, "I felt fine. That's why I made the decision to play, and here we are." His determination to participate, despite potential physical limitations, underlines the commitment many players maintain under challenging circumstances.
From the Cowboys’ perspective, it was an evening to remember. Not only did they defy 10.5-point odds to secure a win, but they also etched their name into NFL history by becoming the first team to score two kickoff return touchdowns in the fourth quarter of a single game. CeeDee Lamb, a pivotal figure in the Cowboys’ success, noted the irony of the day, recalling his collegiate connection with Seibert. "Shoutout (Commanders kicker Austin Seibert). He went to OU with me. He gave us one,” Lamb remarked, highlighting the layered narrative that often unfolds on a football field.
As the Commanders navigate this latest setback, the immediate priority lies in finding a replacement kicker capable of filling the void left by Seibert's absence. The loss underscores the impact that special teams can have on a team’s fortunes in the high-stakes world of professional football. The Commanders are keen on regaining their momentum and will need to address their kicking game as they forge ahead.
While Seibert remains hopeful to bounce back and continue contributing to his team upon recovery, Washington’s challenge lies in the immediate need for stability within its kicking unit. The coming weeks will reveal how the Commanders adapt to these changes and whether they can rebound from this recent setback to maintain their competitiveness throughout the season.