Former Alabama DT Phidarian Mathis carted off in Washington debut
Washington Commanders’ second-round draft pick Phidarian Mathis left his debut versus the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday due to an apparent knee injury in the first half. Mathis was the No. 47 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft after a breakout senior season at Alabama.
“Phidarian Mathis was emotional as doctors looked at his left leg/knee. He wiped away some tears and punched the ground,” Sam Fortier of the Washington Post reported.
Despite the injury to Mathis, the Commanders closed out the Jaguars’ offensive drive with a sack on Trevor Lawrence by Jonathan Allen.
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After exiting the field on a cart, Mathis was listed as questionable to return by the Commanders.
Last season in Tuscaloosa, Mathis totaled 53 tackles with 10.5 tackles for loss, nine sacks, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries.
Curtis Samuel gives Washington 7-3 lead over Jacksonville
Former Ohio State Buckeyes star Curtis Samuel grabbed the first touchdown of the 2022 season and first with the Washington Commanders on Sunday versus the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Marching down the field with new Commanders quarterback Carson Wentz, Samuel made an inside move pre-snap before moving back outside for a 3-yard touchdown grab. The snag gave Washington their first points of the game as the Jags led 3-0 to start out.
The touchdown was also the first for Carson Wentz since his offseason move from the Indianapolis Colts. The former Eagles first-round pick went 4-for-5 on the drive, taking the Commanders 65 yards to the endzone.
Last season, Samuel spent most of the year sidelined for the Washington Football Team as he tended to a nagging groin issue. They tried to work him back slowly, but the injury continued to linger. He finished the year with just six catches for 27 yards.