Commanders Face Setback as Kicker Austin Seibert Heads to Injured Reserve
The Washington Commanders have experienced a significant blow to their special teams as kicker Austin Seibert has been placed on injured reserve following a challenging game against the Dallas Cowboys. Seibert's absence leaves the Commanders in search of a reliable replacement at a crucial point in their season.
Seibert's recent struggles on the field culminated in two missed extra points during the Commanders' 34-26 loss to the Cowboys. Before Sunday, Seibert had confidently converted all 22 of his extra-point attempts this season, making his performance all the more unexpected and pivotal. This setback saw Washington trailing the Cowboys by a razor-thin margin of 27-26 after the second missed attempt.
The day’s difficulties were not entirely unforeseen, as Seibert was managing concerns about his right hip. Despite these issues, Seibert decided to take the field, emphasizing his desire to contribute to his team's efforts. "I felt fine," he assured reporters afterwards. "That's why I made the decision to play, and here we are." Yet the missed opportunities after touchdowns from Commanders' playmakers Jayden Daniels and Terry McLaurin underscored a challenging outing for Seibert.
In the first instance, Seibert lined up for a seemingly routine extra point following Daniels' 17-yard run into the end zone during the third quarter. The second opportunity arose after an 86-yard aerial strike from Daniels connected with McLaurin, a play meant to be a definitive momentum swing in Washington's favor.
Seibert candidly reflected on the outing, expressing his disappointment and determination to put the episode behind him. "I just want to play better for my teammates, you know, definitely don't want to do that," he said. "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." Amidst inquiries about the mishap being potentially affected by a low snap, Seibert took full responsibility, stating bluntly: "It didn't make a difference at all. It's on me."
Adding a touch of irony to the situation, Dallas wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, who previously attended the University of Oklahoma with Seibert, acknowledged his old college friend in jest following the Cowboys’ victory. "Shoutout (Commanders kicker Austin Seibert)," Lamb remarked. "He went to OU with me. He gave us one."
The defeat was especially stinging for Washington as the Cowboys defied odds stacked against them. Overcoming a 10.5-point deficit, Dallas not only seized victory but also etched their names into NFL history with two kickoff return touchdowns during the fourth quarter—an unprecedented achievement in the league.
Washington's resolve will be tested as they regroup without Seibert's contributions. The void in the kicking position adds to the Commanders' challenges as they strive to regain their footing and push forward in the season. Coach and management must now evaluate potential candidates who can step in and deliver consistent kicking performances under pressure.
As the Commanders navigate this period of adversity, they do so with the knowledge that professional football's landscape is constantly shifting, demanding flexibility and resilience from its participants. The team will look to rally around each other, drawing on moments of perseverance and grit as they venture into the next chapter of their campaign.