The Washington Commanders are getting an addition to their defense on Sunday against the New Orleans Saints.
The Commanders confirmed on Friday that CB Marshon Lattimore (hamstring) will make his Washington debut against the team that traded him just over a month ago.
Lattimore has not played since the Saints’ 26-8 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Oct. 27, when he recorded two solo tackles.
When speaking about playing his former team, Lattimore said, “I’m happy where I’m at,” but there is “extra motivation” facing New Orleans, per Nick Shook of NFL.com.
While Lattimore has battled numerous injuries since his last full season in 2021, the veteran is a former first-round draft pick and four-time Pro Bowler for the Saints.
With the Saints struggling to find their footing, Lattimore was traded to Washington on Nov. 5 in exchange for third-, fourth- and sixth-round picks in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Although the Commanders possess an 8-5 record, their defense has struggled throughout the season. While it has not been as bad as last season’s worst unit in the NFL, the Commanders still allow 22.8 points per game, which is 17th in the league, according to TeamRankings.
With Lattimore on the field, the Commanders’ secondary, which has been inconsistent all season, will now have a veteran to pair with rookie Mike Sainristil, Benjamin St-Juste and Noah Igbinoghene.
Per Pro-Football-Reference, the Commanders are in position to make the postseason for the first time since the 2020 season and only the third time in the last decade, so Lattimore’s debut is crucial.
If the veteran can stay healthy, the Commanders must feel even better defensively as the season enters its stretch run.
