Not only did the Washington Commanders suffer an embarrassing 40-20 loss to the hapless Chicago Bears, but they also lost two key safeties to add injury to insult. Commanders head coach Ron Rivera announced Monday that Darrick Forrest and Jeremy Reaves are getting placed on injured reserve.
Both safeties will be required to miss at least the next four weeks before they could return to the active roster.
Forrest will be out with a shoulder injury. According to Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post, it appears Forrest suffered his injury trying to make a diving tackle on Bears wide receiver DJ Moore.
The timetable for Forrest’s return is unclear. Rivera said he will undergo further tests to determine the full extent of the injury and how long he will be out, but the hope is he can return after four weeks.
Through five games, Forrest played 99 percent of the Commanders defensive snaps. He and Kamren Curl are one of the more formidable safety duos in the league.
The Commanders will turn to last year’s fourth-round pick Percy Butler and rookie Quan Martin to replace Forrest on defense.
Reaves is out with a knee injury. Last year, Reaves made the Pro Bowl and was a first-team All-Pro on special teams. His injury will be a big blow with special teams coverage.
Reaves got injured on Washington’s first punt against Chicago early in the first quarter.
Reaves posted on X, “I’ll be back real soon.”
With the injuries to Forrest and Reaves, Washington has reshuffled its depth at safety. The team is signing Terrell Burgess from the practice squad to the active roster. The Commanders are also signing Joshua Kalu to the practice squad. Kalu was with the team in the summer.
