Commanders Place Austin Seibert on Injured Reserve Following Costly Misses
In a move that reflects the tumultuous nature of the NFL, the Washington Commanders have placed kicker Austin Seibert on injured reserve, Tuesday's decision coming in the wake of a challenging performance during a narrow 34-26 defeat to the Dallas Cowboys. This game was marked by Seibert's unexpected struggle, where he missed two critical extra points that proved pivotal in the Commanders' eventual loss.
Before Sunday, Seibert had been remarkably consistent, successfully converting all 22 of his extra-point attempts. Yet, Sunday’s game at home against the Cowboys was an unfortunate turning point. His first miss followed a 17-yard touchdown run from Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels in the third quarter, a score that many anticipated would shift the game's momentum. That hope was dampened again when Seibert missed another crucial extra point after Daniels connected with star receiver Terry McLaurin for an impressive 86-yard touchdown. That second miss left Washington trailing 27-26 instead of pushing the game into overtime.
The implications of these misses were significant. Had Seibert made his second extra point, the game would likely have extended into overtime. Moreover, had he been flawless on all his attempts, the Commanders would have had a 28-27 lead with just 21 seconds remaining. Such narrow margins are the lifeblood of an NFL season, where a single breath of victory or defeat can shape a team's fate.
Seibert, speaking with honesty about the situation, admitted his frustrations. “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 shared. The kicker displayed ownership over his performance despite some external factors, such as a low snap during his final extra-point attempt, which he brushed aside, saying, “It didn't make a difference at all. It's on me.”
A deeper examination suggests that physical challenges, specifically concerns regarding Seibert's right hip, might have played a role. The decision to place him on injured reserve indicates that the Commanders’ coaching staff suspects his physical condition affected his performance. However, Seibert maintained that his health was not a factor in the game against the Cowboys, stating, “I felt fine. That's why I made the decision to play, and here we are.”
The outcome, unfortunately for Washington, was a historic moment for the visiting Cowboys. The underdog Dallas team, overcoming 10.5-point odds stacked against them, achieved the largest upset victory of the 2024 season so far. Adding insult to injury, the Cowboys also became the first team in NFL history to notch two kickoff return touchdowns in the fourth quarter of a single game. A vital contributor to this success was Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, who, despite the competitive backdrop, expressed his appreciation for Seibert. Reflecting on their shared roots, Lamb remarked, "Shoutout (Commanders kicker Austin Seibert). He went to OU with me. He gave us one."
The Commanders are now left to regroup and recalibrate their strategy going forward without Seibert's services. His absence creates a vacancy that Washington will need to fill as they fight to stay competitive. The episode serves as a reminder of the volatility and unpredictability ingrained in the sport, where even the most reliable athletes can face sudden challenges, be they of strategy, fitness, or fortune.
As the season marches on, the Commanders will seek fresh momentum, aiming to turn this setback into a resilient charge ahead. Meanwhile, for Austin Seibert, the focus will undoubtedly shift to recovery, introspection, and preparation for a return to form, one where he can confidently contribute to his team's success without the shadow of physical limitations. The NFL, as it always does, awaits the next chapter with bated breath.