Seibert's Setback: Commanders' Kicker Placed on Injured Reserve After Costly Misses
The Washington Commanders face a significant challenge in the coming weeks, having placed kicker Austin Seibert on injured reserve following a frustrating outing against the Dallas Cowboys. Seibert, who had been reliable throughout the season, uncharacteristically missed two critical extra points during the Commanders' 34-26 loss. Before this game, Seibert had a perfect record, converting all 22 of his extra-point attempts.
Performance Woes
Seibert's missed extra points occurred under dramatic circumstances. The first failure came after a 17-yard touchdown run by Jayden Daniels in the third quarter. The second miss, more consequential, followed an electrifying 86-yard touchdown pass from Daniels to Terry McLaurin. At that moment, Washington was trailing the Cowboys 27-26, a deficit exacerbated by Seibert's slip-ups.
These missed opportunities contributed to a deflating loss for the Commanders. The Cowboys overcame substantial odds to secure their victory, defying a 10.5-point spread. In an unprecedented feat, Dallas became the first team in NFL history to score two kickoff return touchdowns in the fourth quarter of a single game, further compounding Washington's misery.
A Challenging Revelation
Seibert's post-game reflections revealed a unique blend of determination and accountability. Despite confronting a right hip concern, Seibert played against the Cowboys, asserting he felt fine. "I felt fine. That's why I made the decision to play, and here we are," he explained, addressing the media with a resolve to persevere despite the setback.
In candid remarks, Seibert took full responsibility for his performance. When asked about a low snap during his final extra-point attempt, he was forthright: "It didn't make a difference at all. It's on me." This ownership accompanied an earnest commitment to improvement, as he expressed, "I just want to play better for my teammates, you know, definitely don't want to do that. 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."
Implications for the Commanders
The loss of Seibert is not a mere personnel issue; it punctuates a broader thematic challenge for Washington. The team must now urgently seek a replacement to maintain offensive consistency. As they work through these logistical requirements, the need to regain momentum becomes paramount.
Washington has enjoyed moments of brilliance this season, evidenced by Jayden Daniels' impressive plays, which were, unfortunately, underscored by missed conversions. The Commanders' resilience and adaptability will be tested as they adjust to Seibert's absence on the roster.
CeeDee Lamb's Nod
Adding a touch of camaraderie to the post-game analysis, Cowboys' wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, who played an influential role in Dallas's success, extended words of acknowledgment to Seibert. "Shoutout (Commanders kicker Austin Seibert). He went to OU with me. He gave us one," Lamb commented, drawing a line between competitive respect and shared collegiate history.
While these conflicts and challenges underscore the ever-unpredictable nature of the NFL, Washington's focus now turns to recovering from this setback. The landscape for the Commanders involves recalibration—a reminder that the gridiron arena continuously demands resilience and an unyielding drive to succeed despite complications.
As Seibert steps out temporarily due to injury, the Commanders must harness their internal strengths and chart a path forward in a season that continues to unfold unpredictably.