The Washington Commanders‘ 2023 first-round pick, cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr., is facing a challenging period as he heads into surgery to address a torn UCL in his right thumb. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Forbes will undergo the procedure on September 13, 2024. This injury, sustained during the Commanders‘ season-opening 37-20 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 8, has cast a shadow over Forbes’ 2024 campaign and added another layer of adversity to his NFL journey.
Forbes, selected 16th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, entered the 2024 season with high expectations but found himself struggling to make an impact. The rookie year was marked by inconsistency, leading to several benchings and a diminished role in the Commanders’ defensive schemes. This season, he started as a backup behind Benjamin St.-Juste, and the opening game seemed to echo the challenges from his debut year.
A Rough Start and Lingering Questions
In the opener against Tampa Bay, Forbes was on the field for 33 plays and was targeted three times. Unfortunately for the young cornerback, he allowed all three receptions, with an average gain of 12.7 yards per catch. His performance was further marred by a face mask penalty and a pass interference call, reflecting the same issues that plagued him throughout his rookie season.
Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield exploited the Commanders’ secondary, completing 24 of 30 passes for 289 yards and four touchdowns, underscoring the vulnerability of Washington’s pass defense. Forbes was one of four cornerbacks used on one side of the field, alongside St.-Juste, former first-round pick Noah Igbinoghene, and rookie Mike Sainristil.
Impact of the Injury on Trade Prospects
The timing of Forbes’ injury also has significant implications beyond the field. With the cornerback’s struggles to justify his high draft status and his less-than-stellar rookie season, there had been speculation about the Commanders potentially trading him. Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox had mentioned Forbes as a trade candidate, with the Cleveland Browns as a possible suitor. The idea was that Forbes, despite his difficulties, might still attract interest from teams in need of cornerback help.
However, Forbes’ surgery now complicates these trade talks. The Commanders’ ability to leverage Forbes as trade bait for a late-round pick is diminished with his health status uncertain. Teams wary of his injury history might be less inclined to make a move, leaving Washington in a tight spot.
Looking Ahead: Adjustments and Opportunities
With Forbes sidelined, the Commanders will need to lean heavily on their remaining cornerbacks: St.-Juste, Igbinoghene, and Sainristil. The team has a crucial home opener against the New York Giants in Week 2, a game that could provide a chance to stabilize their secondary and gain some much-needed momentum.
Washington’s coaching staff and front office will be closely watching how their cornerbacks perform without Forbes. The injury might force the team to reevaluate their defensive strategies and player rotations. As the Commanders navigate this setback, they will need to make quick adjustments to ensure that their pass defense remains competitive throughout the season.
For Forbes, the surgery represents another obstacle in what has already been a rocky start to his NFL career. The coming months will be critical for his recovery and future with the Commanders. For now, Washington’s focus will be on overcoming their defensive challenges and finding a path forward amid the uncertainty.
