Washington Commanders Rule Out Nick Cross vs. Seattle

The Washington Commanders were already expected to be without quarterback Jayden Daniels when they host the Seattle Seahawks for the 2026 home opener on Sunday, Sept. 27. Yet head coach Dan Quinn confirmed that another key piece will officially be sidelined, but on the other side of the ball.

Safety Nick Cross has been ruled out for Sunday's matchup in what marks as a notable absence for the defense.

Cross has been one of the standouts through the first two weeks of the regular season after becoming a mainstay around the ball, while he entered week three ranked tied for third with cornerback Amik Robertson with 11 total tackles in 2026. The starting strong safety also leads the team with three tackles for loss through two weeks, an impressive feat given the entire defense has amassed 13 to begin the regular season.

Tyler Owens, who went viral for his week one performance on special teams, is listed as the primary backup on the depth chart as the secondary looks to overcome his production against a Seahawks' offense battling their own injuries ahead of week three.

Quinn revealed on Monday that Cross flew back to Washington DC that day after suffering an internal injury during the week two loss against the Dallas Cowboys. Cross was hospitalized in Dallas and underwent surgery following Sunday's game before being discharged the following day.

Whether Cross marks the only new absence for Washington remains to be seen after multiple players suffered injuries in week two. Quinn noted that left tackle Brandon Coleman is good to go with his finger injury, though Sam Cosmi is also still in concussion protocol after going down in the closing minutes in Sunday's loss. With the veteran absent for Wednesday's practice, Nick Allegretti was spotted taking snaps at right guard with recent free agent signing and veteran interior offensive lineman Lucas Patrick taking snaps at center.

Defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw, tight end Chig Okonkwo and linebacker Frankie Luvu remain wait and see through the week with Quinn adding that Kinlaw will work on the side field during Wednesday's practice.

Meanwhile, Jayden Daniels is expected to see additional specialists on Wednesday after Quinn noted earlier in the week the franchise quarterback will get additional feedback before making a decision on next steps on his dislocated left elbow.

The Commanders are set to host the Seahawks this upcoming Sunday for a 1 PM kickoff on FOX.