Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera confirmed rookie linebacker Drew White suffered a torn ACL. White was carted off the practice field on Tuesday, as teammates tried to comfort him, according to NBC Sports’ Pete Hailey.
White was an undrafted rookie out of Notre Dame. With the Fighting Irish, White became a captain his last season as a fifth-year senior. He had previously played in the shadows of Cleveland Browns linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah.
His breakout season was as a junior in 2019 when he registered 80 tackles, including nine for losses, and 2.0 sacks. Last season, he had 55 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and a 48-yard pick-six against Wisconsin.
Usually, an undrafted rookie doesn’t catch the eye of the average fan, but the Commanders need for depth at linebacker pushed White into a focal point entering training camp.
At 6-feet, 220 pounds, where White lacked speed (4.67 40-yard dash), he made up with instincts. The Commanders have been reluctant to get a veteran linebacker to slot alongside Cole Holcomb and Jamin Davis. So White’s progression would have gone a long way for the Commanders.
The Commanders have Khaleke Hudson, David Mayo and De’Jon Harris. All more than likely started ahead of White on the depth chart. But, there are question marks there and White had an opportunity to progress.
Unfortunately, White’s season is over. His pursuit of having an NFL career has been put on pause.
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