Defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi
Defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi | USA TODAY Sports
Defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw is the latest injury problem for the Washington Commanders, which further exposes the team's dangerous lack of depth in the trenches.
Head coach Dan Quinn confirmed that Kinlaw wouldn't practice to start the week as he recovers from a knee injury. Perhaps tellingly, he also acknowledged that he is not progressing as quickly as the team hoped, which is the last thing they need right now.
The Commanders may be content to move forward with what they have. But given their lack of viable alternatives, outside help might be the best option if Kinlaw is forced to miss time.
Commanders could use outside help if Javon Kinlaw misses time
And general manager Adam Peters could do far worse than bring in Larry Ogunjobi for a workout.
Ogunjobi has had a productive career. He looked like a potential superstar in his early years with the Cleveland Browns, and that trend continued after he joined the Pittsburgh Steelers. Things fizzled out in the AFC North, but the Buffalo Bills gave the player a shot to shine in 2025.
Aside from a few flashes, Ogunjobi underwhelmed. He was also suspended for the first six games of the campaign, which saw his stock plummet.
The 2017 third-round pick out of Charlotte has been looking for work ever since his contract expired, to no avail. Ogunjobi recently worked out with the San Francisco 49ers, but they didn't agree to a deal afterward. This wouldn't be a sure thing from Washington's standpoint, but if Kinlaw cannot go, a tryout wouldn't be the worst idea in the world.
While Ogunjobi might be on the downslide of his career, desperate times call for desperate measures. Behind Kinlaw and Pro Bowl lineman Daron Payne, there is almost nothing, and the free agent is well-versed in being deployed in 3-4 defensive fronts as an end.
Ogunjobi can tackle. He can hold his own against the run, and his 27.5 career sacks prove he can generate pressure when opportunities arise.
Larry Ogunjobi would be a low-risk, high-reward stopgap for the Commanders
The league might have looked the other way. And the Commanders might opt to keep things in-house if Kinlaw's recovery continues to provide concern.
But among legitimate linemen in Washington — not versatile interior/edge players like Deatrich Wise Jr. and Charles Omenihu — nobody else has the size and strength to fill the void.
Washington could move the underperforming Tim Settle Jr., but splitting reps at nose with Shy Tuttle should be the goal. Wise is a good run stopper, but he's a tweener. The same goes for Omenihu, who is also coming back from his own injury.
The Commanders are experienced in dealing with injury adversity. Kinlaw's been one of Washington's rare bright spots this season as hope in his capabilities was fading, so losing him would be another body blow. But in Ogunjobi, they have a low-risk, high-reward option who could provide immediate relief.
Ogunjobi would probably jump at the chance to join the Commanders and get a route back into the NFL. And if he's in good condition, it's an option well worth considering.
But don't get your hopes up.