Kendall

Fuller

Armstead was unable to clear concussion protocol in time for Monday’s game and will be held out as a result. The veteran tackle has played in each of the Dolphins’ first three games but will likely be replaced by Kendall Lamm, who played on 41 snaps last week after Armstead exited with his injury. In addition to Armstead, the Dolphins also ruled out cornerback Kendall Fuller (concussion).

No stranger to dealing with injuries over the last couple seasons, Armstead’s brain injury-forced absence would be a big deal for a Dolphins team that is struggling to move the ball. The last thing Tim Boyle needs is pressure. Armstead’s practice status will be worth monitoring ahead of Monday Night. Corner Kendall Fuller is also in concussion protocol for the Dolphins.

Fuller, 29, has spent the last four years of his career in Washington and started all 15 games he appeared in for the Commanders last season. Fuller totaled 79 tackles, two interceptions, and nine pass breakups last season and was one of the few bright spots on a defense that allowed the most points, passing yards, and touchdowns last season. Fuller earned a PFF coverage grade of 82.8, which ranked as the ninth-highest grade amongst cornerbacks with at least 200 coverage snaps.

Allen’s season will end with 53 tackles and 5.5 sacks in what was arguably the most disappointing season for Washington’s defense in franchise history. With one game to go, the Commanders have currently allowed the 13th-most points (480) in NFL history and could be propelled into the top five after Week 18’s contest against the Cowboys. Allen is under contract through 2025 but has hinted at being open to trade this offseason to avoid being stuck in a rebuilding year in 2024. We’re a long way from knowing where Allen will play next season, but his 2023 campaign with the Commanders has officially come to an end. In addition to Allen, the Commanders also ruled out cornerbacks Tariq Castro-Fields (shoulder), Kendall Fuller (knee), and Christian Holmes (concussion), leaving a porous secondary thin heading into Sunday.

Fuller is without question the top member of an underperforming secondary in Washington and his absence would have likely brought 2023 first-round rookie Emmanuel Forbes back into the starting roster after the latter was benched in Week 6. It goes without saying, but Fuller’s presence in the lineup is a positive development for the Commanders against their division rivals on Sunday.

Losing Fuller would be a nightmare for the Washington defense. Fuller has two picks and six pass breakups this year. He was playing opposite first-round rookie Emmanuel Forbes to start the season. Forbes was eventually benched and did not play at all in Week 6. If Fuller can’t go, the Commanders would either have to give Forbes another shot or each deep into their reserves in Week 7.

Washington S Kam Curl, LB Milo Eifler, and CB Kendall Fuller were also removed from the COVID-19 list following last week’s team-wide viral outbreak that left the Football Team shorthanded in their Week 15 loss to the Eagles. Allen will return to his role as Taylor Heinicke’s backup this week against Dallas.

Washington signed Fuller this offseason after he started 15 games for the Chiefs in 2019. Fuller moved around from safety to corner toward the end of the season and could have played a similar hybrid role for Washington versus Arizona. Expect Washington to struggle containing DeAndre Hopkins, who caught 14 passes for 151 yards against San Francisco last week.

Fuller was listed as doubtful so this doesn’t come as a surprise. He would have been in charge of containing DeSean Jackson if he was able to suit up. Former Eagles corner Ronald Darby will be tasked with covering Jackson now. Jimmy Moreland and Fabian Moreau will take the field on nickel packages.

Fuller would have been responsible for covering DeSean Jackson. Washington will instead ask former Eagles castoff Ronald Darby to cover the boundary with Jimmy Moreland and Fabian Moreau entering on nickel packages.