Washington Commanders Injury Updates: Cody Barton’s 21-day practice window opened; Efe Obada has surgery

Another DE injury

The Washington Commanders suffered another injury to their defensive line during yesterday’s 31-19 loss to the New York Giants. Efe Obada was starting for the injury James Smith-Williams(hamstring). He went down when DT Daron Payne rolled into him. Obada suffered multiple fractures to his leg, and he was carted off the field. He has successful surgery, and will likely be placed on IR soon.

If Smith-Williams can’t play this week in Dallas, Washington will only have three healthy DEs on the roster(Casey Toohill, KJ Henry, Andre Jones, Jr.) and undrafted rookie Joshua Pryor who was activated from the practice squad for yesterday’s game. Washington traded away both of their starting DEs(Montez Sweat, Chase Young) at the deadline. The Commanders have been working out several free agents over the last week, and would likely sign one to the practice squad or 53-man roster in the next day or two.

Washington announced this morning that they have opened the 21-day practice window for LB Cody Barton. He was placed on injured reserve on October 28th with a high-ankle sprain, and he missed his fourth game yesterday. He is now eligible to return, and Washington has 21 days to determine if he will get activated, or remain on injured reserve for the rest of the season. Barton will get evaluated during the Commanders condensed practice schedule, and could be available for Washington’s Thanksgiving matchup against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday.