The Washington Commanders designated defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis for return from the injured reserve. This move opens a 21-day window to practice with the team before he can be added to the active roster. Mathis missed the first six games due to a calf injury.
The Washington Commanders’ defensive tackle played college football at Alabama.
Phidarian Mathis committed to Alabama over LSU and TCU for the 2017 season as a four-star recruit. Mathis redshirted in his freshman season. Mathis was more involved in his redshirt freshman season. He was part of the defensive line rotation, totaling 18 tackles. Mathis made the SEC’s All-Freshman team.
Mathis started twice in his sophomore season. He had 27 tackles, 0.5 tackles for loss, and one forced fumble. Mathis returned for his junior season instead of declaring for the draft.
Mathis’ numbers went up in his junior season. He had 31 tackles, five tackles for loss, one forced fumble, 1.5 sacks, and three pass deflections. Mathis decided to return for his senior season and play one more season with Alabama. He had unfinished business.
Mathis broke out in his final season at Alabama, notching career highs in tackles, tackles for loss, and sacks. He had 53 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, one forced fumble, nine sacks, and two pass deflections. Conference coaches named Mathis to the All-Sec Second Team. Mathis declared for the 2022 NFL Draft.
Washington drafted Mathis in the 2nd Round in 2022.
Washington drafted Phidarian Mathis in the 2nd round, 47th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft. Washington drafted Mathis. They needed more depth at the defensive line because they didn’t re-sign Matt Ioannidis and Tim Settle.
His rookie season was cut short due to injury.
His rookie season was cut short due to injury. He injured his knee on his third snap of the season. He tore his left meniscus in Week 1 against Jacksonville. Washington placed him on injured reserve and missed the rest of the season.
Mathis’ second season.
Mathis fully recovered from the meniscus injury before training camp. He suffered a calf injury in the first preseason game. Washington placed Mathis on the injured reserve to start the season.
With the activation of Mathis, the Commanders are hoping Mathis will be a great rotational player for the defensive line. Having good defensive line depth helps the starters get rest and prevents fatigue. Defensive line is a position that you don’t play every snap.
Mathis will join a stacked defensive line of Chase Young, Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne, and Montez Sweat. The backups/rotational players include James Smith-Williams, John Ridgeway III, and Casey Toohill. It would be beneficial if he could get reps when Jonathan Allen or Daron Payne need a breather.
The Commanders are hoping Mathis can stay healthy. No team wants to spend a high draft pick on a player that can’t stay healthy.
For More Great NFL Content
More must-reads: