John Keim, ESPN Staff WriterJan 19, 2025, 04:18 PM ET
- John Keim covers the Washington Commanders for ESPN. He joined ESPN in 2013 after a stint with the Washington Post. He started covering the team in 1994 for the Journal Newspapers and later for the Washington Examiner. He has authored/co-authored four books. You can also listen to him on 'The John Keim Report', which airs on ESPN Richmond radio, and follow him on Twitter @john_keim
Washington Commanders right guard Sam Cosmi will miss the rest of the postseason after he tore his right ACL in Saturday's divisional round win over the Detroit Lions, coach Dan Quinn said Sunday.
Cosmi has been a critical part of the Commanders' offensive line for several years and had started every game this season. He'll eventually have surgery to repair his knee. Veteran Trent Scott subbed for him in Saturday's 45-31 win over the Lions.
Washington (14-5) plays the winner of the Philadelphia Eagles-Los Angeles Rams game in the NFC Championship Game on Jan. 26.
Cosmi suffered the injury on running back Brian Robinson Jr.'s 2-yard touchdown run in the second quarter.
"Really bummed on Sam," Quinn said after the game, before the full extent of his injury was announced. "That's a big loss for us."
Washington drafted Cosmi in the second round of the 2021 draft. He started at right tackle for two seasons before switching to guard for the 2023 season. His ability to block in space on screens and on pulling action, among other aspects of his game, has been pivotal for Washington.
Scott has mostly played tackle for Washington this season, but Quinn said they've sometimes used him at guard on their scout team just to get him more reps at the position.
Scott has started 23 games in his seven-year career. In 2021 and '22 Scott played 22 games at guard for Carolina and then Pittsburgh. Quinn said they'll consider the matchups to see who replaces Cosmi next weekend, but he said Scott "did a really good job."
The Commanders can also opt for veteran Michael Deiter, who has started 35 games in his six-year career at guard and center. He has started two games at center this season.