Pro Football Rumors
The Commanders’ defensive front will be shorthanded for the remainder of the campaign. Dorance Armstrong suffered a knee injury on Sunday, and he will not be able to return in 2025.
Earlier today, The Exhibit’s Josina Anderson reported Armstrong was seeking out a second opinion on his injury. Since then, head coach Dan Quinn has announced the veteran defensive end is out for the year. The news deals a blow to Washington’s defensive front, a unit which Armstrong was leading.
The Commanders rank fifth in the NFL with 19 sacks in 2025. A team-high 5.5 of those have come from Armstrong, so his loss will be acutely felt. The 28-year-old has reached five or more sacks every year since 2021, and he has remained a productive contributor for Washington after his time in Dallas. Following head coach Dan Quinn from one team to the other last spring, Armstrong operated as a full-time starter during his first year in the nation’s capital.
In 2025, the former fourth-rounder’s playing time dropped compared to his career-high workload from last season. Still, it will be challenging for the Commanders to replace Armstrong while looking to take needed steps forward elsewhere on defense. Washington sits just 27th in total defense at the moment, something which has played a crucial role in the team’s 3-4 record and overall struggles compared to last year.
Armstrong is under contract through 2026, although none of his base salary for next season ($8.6MM) is guaranteed. As such, a restructure amounting to a pay cut could be in store based on his missed time to close out the current campaign. Keeping the Kansas product in the fold will no doubt be a priority for the Commanders this offseason, but his value has obviously taken a hit with this news.
In the meantime, Washington will move forward with a pass rush group led by Von Miller, Jacob Martin and hybrid linebacker Frankie Luvu. The Commanders recently signed Drake Jackson, but as planned he was moved to injured reserve shortly after being added. As such, Washington could be in the market for an EDGE addition ahead of the trade deadline.
