Washington Commanders Defensive Tackle Out With Knee Injury

The results of Week 1's injuries are starting to trickle in today, and the Washington Commanders' worst fears have been confirmed. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport revealed that defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis has a torn meniscus and is expected to miss the rest of the season:

#Commanders DT Phidarian Mathis, knocked out yesterday with a knee injury, has a torn meniscus and is headed for season-ending surgery, sources say. The promising second-rounder is expected to make a full recovery for 2023.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 12, 2022

Mathis made his debut for the Commanders yesterday after being taken 47th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft. The former Alabama player is a mountainous 6-4, 312-pound run-plugger and was expected to contribute to a deep defensive line rotation that includes stars Chase Young and Jonathan Allen. His exit in the first half this week is a disappointing result for a Commanders team looking to rebound from a disappointing year that saw the defense drop from 4th in points allowed in 2020 to 25th in 2021.

Despite Mathis' injury, the Commanders held on for a tough 28-22 home win against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 1. In Week 2, they will go on the road to face a Detroit Lions team looking to improve on last year's 3-13-1 finish.