Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Commanders CB Emmanuel Forbes ejected for a helmet-to-helmet hit

Originally posted on DC Sports King
By King W. Motley III | Last updated 11/12/23

Washington Commanders rookie cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr. got ejected from Sunday’s game for a helmet-to-helmet hit on Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett.

With the Commanders leading 6-0, Forbes delivered a huge blow trying to break up a pass intended for Lockett on the Seahawks’ opening offensive possession. The officials threw a flag on Forbes for unnecessary roughness. However, league officials from New York disqualified Forbes for the illegal hit.

#Commanders CB Emmanuel Forbes Jr. has been ejected for this time on Tyler Lockett.

Thoughts….?pic.twitter.com/sg3McmAXhw
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 12, 2023

The hit was illegal and warranted a penalty, but the ejection was highly questionable.

Stunning ejection of Emmanuel Forbes in the Commanders-Seahawks game. Obviously helmet to helmet hit that should be penalized but an ejection… wow. Point of emphasis, indeed.
— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) November 12, 2023

No question that should have been a flag on Emmanuel Forbes.

But getting ejected from the game?!

That's crazy.
— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) November 12, 2023

Emmanuel Forbes was ejected for this hit. I hate the flag bc I watched football in the 80’s but I understand it in todays league. BUT AN EJECTION?! When you know for a fact he didn’t have time to form intent? What’re we even doin?! pic.twitter.com/rD1PhLZsaV
— Reese Waters (@reesewaters) November 12, 2023

What an absolute bonkers decision to eject Emmanuel Forbes. Clearly not going for the head. Incidental contact as the WR was dropping. @NFL needs to do better. Unreal.
— Taylor Tarter (@TaylorTarter) November 12, 2023

Lockett received medical attention immediately on the field. Trainers later helped him off the field into the blue medical tent. Lockett was cleared and returned to the game later in the quarter.

Emmanuel Forbes had worked his way back on the field following his Week 6 benching. Last week, he played 48 defensive snaps, his third straight-involved game. He played well against the New England Patriots, earning back his role within the Commanders defense.

Unfortunately, the early disqualification halted his progression. Forbes hit Locket on a bang-bang play. There isn’t much to debate against the flag, but the ejection may have been excessive.

This article first appeared on DC Sports King and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: