The Washington Commanders are fighting for their playoff lives. However, they’ll be without arguably their best two defensive backs Sunday when they take on the Cleveland Browns.
Commanders’ cornerback Benjamin St-Juste and safety Kam Curl are inactive for Sunday’s game.
Curl is going to miss his second straight game. He has a right ankle injury that also kept him out of the Commanders’ Week 16 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. The team downgraded Curl on Saturday to doubtful.
Following their 37-20 loss to the 49ers, Commanders defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio echoed how much the team missed Curl. His absence was felt particularly with the defensive adjustments and his coverage on tight ends and running backs.
Washington does not have another player as versatile as Curl. He lines up in multiple positions and is the communicator of the defense.
Jeremy Reaves, who made the Pro Bowl for special teams, is expected to replace Curl at safety. Bobby McCain will likely be shifted around the defense as Curl would.
Meanwhile, St-Juste is arguably Washington’s top cornerback. He has been the most consistent throughout the season. He started the season as the slot corner but worked his way into covering the opposing team’s No. 1 wide receiver.
However, St-Juste has been bothered by a sprained right ankle since Week 12. He missed four games due to the injury before returning last week against the 49ers. Unfortunately, he suffered a setback. He was limited in Wednesday’s practice and did not practice Thursday and Friday.
Danny Johnson, Rachad Wildgoose and rookie Christian Holmes are in line for usage increases in St-Juste’s absence.
The Commanders need a win against the Browns to keep their playoff hopes alive. In addition to Curl and St-Juste, Washington already ruled out running back Antonio Gibson and defensive end James Smith-Williams. The team’s inactive also include quarterback Sam Howell and offensive lineman Saahdiq Charles.
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