In a week filled with surprising developments for the Washington Commanders, kicker Austin Seibert's stint with the team took an unexpected turn as he was placed on injured reserve. This decision comes on the heels of a disappointing performance during the Commanders' 34-26 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, where Seibert missed two pivotal extra points.
Entering Sunday's contest, Seibert, a stalwart performer in his position, had a flawless record in converting all 22 of his extra-point attempts. However, the game against the Cowboys proved challenging as he faltered following a 17-yard touchdown run by Jayden Daniels in the third quarter. His second miss, a blemish that lingered in the minds of fans, occurred after an electrifying 86-yard touchdown pass from Daniels to Terry McLaurin. These missed opportunities left Washington trailing the Cowboys by a thin margin of 27-26, a deficit from which they would not recover.
Despite a comebacker mentality, Seibert's right hip was a source of concern, both to the coaching staff and himself. Yet, he chose to play, reassured of his condition, a decision he later reflected on with mixed emotions. "I felt fine. That's why I made the decision to play, and here we are," Seibert expressed post-game, indicating no physical woes during the matchup.
Accepting responsibility for the outcome, Seibert showed a commitment to accountability. "I just want to play better for my teammates, you know, definitely don't want to do that," he stated, recognizing the need to put his best foot forward despite feeling thwarted by a low snap during his final attempt. "It didn't make a difference at all. It's on me," he acknowledged with candid humility.
The Commanders, left to adjust to Seibert's unexpected absence, now face the pressing task of filling his shoes—a focal point of their strategy moving forward in the season. The game also highlighted the Cowboys' resilience, as they defied 10.5-point odds to secure the victory. Notably, they etched their name into the NFL history books, becoming the first team ever to record two kickoff return touchdowns in the fourth quarter of a single game, showcasing their multifaceted dynamism.
CeeDee Lamb, instrumental in the Cowboys' triumph, also took a moment to acknowledge his former Oklahoma University teammate. "Shoutout (Commanders kicker Austin Seibert). He went to OU with me. He gave us one," Lamb remarked, blending camaraderie with competitive spirit in a nod to his colleague’s difficult night.
With this setback, the Commanders must now regroup and refocus, seeking to reclaim momentum in the challenging weeks ahead. As they pivot without Seibert's contributions, the organization evaluates options to bolster their special teams unit, an essential component of their strategy as they aim for resilience amid adversity.