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John Keim, ESPN Staff Writer
ASHBURN, Va. – Washington starting defensive end Clelin Ferrell was ruled out of Monday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals because of a knee injury, removing a key defender from a struggling defense.
Ferrell, signed to a one-year deal in the offseason, has been dealing with an undisclosed knee issue this season. He was listed as questionable for the Week 2 game vs. the New York Giants but played and recorded a sack. Ferrell was listed on the injury report in Week 1 as well but was a full participant in practice all week.
Washington (1-1) plays at the Bengals (0-2) on Monday night. The Commanders’ defense ranks 29th in scoring and 22nd in yards per game.
“[Ferrell] is an absolute warrior for us. Good news is this is not something that’s a long-term issue,” Washington coach Dan Quinn said.
Ferrell was placed on injured reserve in the playoffs with San Francisco last season because of a left knee injury suffered in the regular season finale; it’s uncertain if that is related to his current issue.
Ferrell leads Washington with two sacks. Washington also has veteran Dante Fowler, Jr., rookie Javontae Jean-Baptiste and converted linebacker Jamin Davis to rotate at end in Ferrell’s place.
Quinn said the team would make a decision on the status of cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr. during pre-game warmups, but said it was more likely he’d play the following week at Arizona. Forbes had surgery on his right thumb after the season opener and did not play in Week 2 vs. the Giants.