Commanders' Challenge: Kicker Austin Seibert Placed on Injured Reserve
The Washington Commanders have encountered an unexpected setback, placing kicker Austin Seibert on injured reserve following their recent 34-26 defeat to the Dallas Cowboys. Seibert, who had been a model of consistency leading up to the fixture, faltered in critical moments, missing two extra points that proved costly for his team.
Prior to this game, Seibert had a flawless record, converting all 22 of his extra-point attempts. However, during the clash against the Cowboys, he missed one extra point following a 17-yard touchdown run by Jayden Daniels in the third quarter. Later, he missed another after an explosive 86-yard touchdown pass from Daniels to Terry McLaurin, a misstep that left Washington trailing the Cowboys 27-26 and shifted momentum in the opponents' favor.
Despite his struggles, Seibert took full responsibility for the missed opportunities. "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," Seibert expressed candidly, underscoring his commitment to his role and his teammates. Addressing rumors about a low snap potentially affecting his performance, he asserted, "It didn't make a difference at all. It's on me."
Determined to Play Despite Injury Concerns
An undercurrent to Seibert's narrative was the concern over his right hip. Ahead of the game, there were questions about his readiness. However, Seibert insisted he was prepared for the challenge. "I felt fine. That's why I made the decision to play, and here we are," he remarked, acknowledging the importance of the matchup while admitting the result wasn't what he intended.
Seibert’s absence now leaves the Commanders in a bind as they adjust to a temporary new reality without their regular kicker. The search is on for a suitable replacement to maintain their special teams' efficacy as they aim to regain lost momentum. This adjustment comes at a crucial time with the season hitting its critical mid-point.
Dallas Cowboys Make NFL History
In contrast, the Cowboys capitalized on both Seibert's missteps and made their mark in the record books. Overcoming 10.5-point odds against them, Dallas emerged victorious in a game that saw them become the first NFL team to record two kickoff return touchdowns in the fourth quarter of a single game. CeeDee Lamb, one of the game’s standout performers, recognized Seibert's OU roots post-game. "Shoutout (Commanders kicker Austin Seibert). He went to OU with me. He gave us one," Lamb commented, reflecting on their shared college experience and the intensity of professional rivalries.
As the Commanders evaluate their options moving forward, the focus will undoubtedly be on resilience and refortifying their lineup. The need to replace Seibert is immediate, and the process will likely be swift as Washington aims to stabilize their kicking game to remain competitive in the season. Their journey continues to evolve as they seek to rebound from the latest challenge thrown their way, with eyes set on the games ahead.