Commanders Re-Sign Jalyn Holmes to Replace Injured Dorance Armstrong
The Washington Commanders placed their top pass rusher on injured reserve on Tuesday. Defensive end Dorance Armstrong suffered a significant knee injury in Sunday's loss at Dallas, and head coach Dan Quinn confirmed it was a season-ending injury.
Armstrong's injury was tough news for the player and the team. The eighth-year pro was on pace for a career year, recording 5.5 sacks in Washington's first six games before he was injured four plays into Sunday's game. Before the injury, Armstrong had nine sacks in his last nine games, dating back to the playoffs.
Losing Armstrong is the latest blow for the Commanders' struggling defense. Washington ranks near the bottom of most statistical categories after the loss to the Cowboys. With Armstrong now lost for the year, Washington didn't look far to find someone to replace him on the roster.
The Commanders re-signed veteran defensive lineman Jalyn Holmes. Washington just released Holmes last week when it activated guard Sam Cosmi and Jonathan Jones from the PUP list and IR, respectively. The 6-foot-5, 283-pound Holmes is an eight-year NFL veteran and first signed with Washington in 2024. He appeared in 11 games last season, recording 14 tackles, including five for loss and two sacks. Holmes can play inside or outside and was a valuable part of Washington's defense last season.
The Commanders brought him back this season, but he was among the team's final cuts in August. Washington quickly re-signed him to the practice squad. He was signed to the 53-man roster ahead of Week 3 after defensive end Deatrich Wise was lost for the season.
Holmes has appeared in four games with nine tackles this season and will see a significant role moving forward.
Jerry Jones Declares His Confidence: 'Trevon Diggs' Injury is Just a Small Setback, We’ll Keep Moving Forward'
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is sending a clear message to fans, teammates, and the league: The Cowboys are undeterred by Trevon Diggs' concussion and will continue to press forward with their season. In a recent interview, Jones expressed his unwavering confidence in both Diggs' ability to recover and the team’s overall strength in the face of adversity.
"We don’t need to worry about this injury," Jones said. "Trevon is a warrior, and we believe he’ll come back stronger. The team has a clear plan, and we’ll continue to fight, regardless of who’s missing. This is just a small challenge in our long journey."
Jones' words echo the sentiment that despite the setback, the Cowboys' season remains on track. Diggs, a key player in the secondary, was forced to leave the game against the Washington Commanders after suffering a concussion in a mysterious home accident. The injury temporarily sidelined the standout cornerback, but Jones and head coach Brian Schottenheimer both insist that the defense is equipped to handle his absence in the short term.
Trevon Diggs has been a key contributor to the Cowboys’ defensive success over the past few seasons. Known for his ability to lock down wide receivers and create turnovers, Diggs’ absence will undoubtedly leave a void in the secondary. However, Jones has made it clear that the Cowboys have the depth to continue competing at a high level.
“The injury is unfortunate, but it’s not something that’s going to derail us," Jones continued. "We’ve built a strong team with talented players all around, and we’ll adapt to the situation. Trevon will be back as soon as he’s ready, but in the meantime, we’ve got others stepping up to get the job done.”
The Cowboys have a number of capable players who will look to fill the gap left by Diggs, including veteran cornerback Anthony Brown and rookie Kelvin Joseph. The defensive line, led by Micah Parsons, will also play a crucial role in maintaining pressure on opposing quarterbacks and keeping the defense strong.
As the Cowboys prepare for their upcoming matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, all eyes will be on Diggs’ recovery and the team’s ability to weather this storm. But with Jones' leadership and a roster full of talented players, Dallas remains focused on the bigger picture.
In the end, Jerry Jones' message is one of resilience and determination. "We’ve got a plan, we’ve got the talent, and we’ll continue moving forward. This injury is just a small bump in the road."
