Dan Quinn, perhaps more than anyone else, knows how important it is to get some players back for the postseason.
Cornerback Marshon Lattimore has missed the last two games (Falcons, Cowboys) after tweaking his injured hamstring late in the win over the Eagles three weeks ago.
Quinn is undoubtedly glad to have a few players back and healthy again. Washington will face the Tampa Bay Bucs on Sunday night in an NFC playoff game in Tampa.
Quinn told the media Friday, “Yeah, we’re pumped to have him back into the mix. He’s had really good week of practice.”
Perhaps not wanting to spend too much time on one player returning, Quinn immediately offered up that two other players have returned recently, and it is very important to have them back as well.
“So just guys like him (Lattimore) [DT] Jon [Allen] and [RB] Austin [Ekeler] It’s good to have these guys back after injuries. They all make a big impact here.”
Of course, the media wants to know about Lattimore because of his matchup history against Bucs wide receiver Mike Evans. Also, GM Adam Peters indeed gave up draft choices to get Lattimore from the Saints in mid-season. “We’re really pumped to get him back. He’s been chomping at the bit to get going, so he hit all the markers that we needed to see, so we’re pumped to have him back.”
Quinn was also asked about defensive tackle Daron Payne. Payne has not been out with an injury, but he has been moved in recent weeks to play both inside tackle and outside defensive end.
The first-year Commanders head coach responded by only mentioning that Payne was playing inside and not playing outside again this week.
“Yeah, I think that’s when we talk about matchups for the game; you’re right about it. The inside, the interior part of the game, offensive line, interior, defensive line interior, I think absolutely on both sides. That might be the game within the game and on both sides. And so yeah, we’re aware and pumped for that.”