Austin Seibert Hits the Sidelines: Commanders Place Kicker on Injured Reserve
The Washington Commanders stepped into uncertainty this week, placing kicker Austin Seibert on injured reserve after a game that didn’t quite go as planned. Seibert, who had been a steadfast performer, was notably off target during the Commanders' recent 34-26 defeat against division rivals, the Dallas Cowboys. Not only did Seibert miss two critical extra points, but he also left the field with lingering concerns about his right hip, although he had assured everyone prior to the game that he felt ready to play.
Seibert's reliability has been a staple for the Commanders this season, going into the game with a perfect record of 22-for-22 on extra-point attempts. However, things took a turn when Seibert first faltered after a 17-yard touchdown run by Jayden Daniels in the third quarter. His second miss came on the heels of a spectacular 86-yard touchdown pass from Daniels to Terry McLaurin. It was a pivotal moment, leaving Washington trailing by just one point at 27-26 after his second missed attempt.
"I just want to play better for my teammates, you know, definitely don't want to do that," Seibert confessed post-game, clearly disheartened by his uncharacteristic performance. "Just wasn't striking well, but it means a lot to me to be here with these guys, so I just want to put my best foot... moving forward."
Despite the missed opportunities, Seibert took responsibility for his part in the defeat. Addressing the problematic low snap during his final attempt, Seibert candidly stated, "It didn't make a difference at all. It's on me."
Adding to the complexity was Seibert's physical condition. Concerns regarding his right hip had swirled prior to the contest, yet Seibert had opted to suit up, affirming his readiness. "I felt fine. That's why I made the decision to play, and here we are," he reflected. His presence was evidently crucial, but perhaps at a greater cost than initially perceived.
On the flip side of the matchup, the Cowboys celebrated a historic day with CeeDee Lamb playing a significant role in their victory. The wide receiver not only contributed offensively but also cheekily acknowledged former Oklahoma teammate Seibert's off day, saying, "Shoutout (Commanders kicker Austin Seibert). He went to OU with me. He gave us one."
This victory saw the Cowboys defying the odds, with them overcoming a 10.5-point spread. The win was bolstered by a historic achievement—the Cowboys became the first team in NFL history to score two kickoff return touchdowns in the fourth quarter of a single game, a feat that sealed the Commanders' fate that afternoon.
For Washington, the setback with Seibert is more than just a statistical blemish. His absence leaves the Commanders actively searching to fill the gap in their special teams unit. The pressure mounts as they strive to regain their momentum and refocus on the challenges ahead.
The significance of the Commanders having to pivot away from Seibert cannot be overstated. With their kicker on the sidelines, the team will need to explore both external and internal options to plug the void left in the wake of these developments. The road to recovery involves not only restructuring their roster but also ensuring the psychological resilience of a team seeking to move past a tough loss, while maintaining their aspirations in a fiercely competitive NFL landscape.