Ron Rivera believes Kam Curl’s return allows the Commanders to be more creative defensively

The Washington Commanders enter Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles with some injury concerns. Two of Washington’s top backup defensive linemen, Daniel Wise and Casey Toohill, are out with injuries.

In a corresponding move, Washington elevated a pair of defensive linemen from the practice squad in Benning Potoa’e and William Bradley-King. Starting defensive end James Smith-Williams is also questionable for the game.

There is good news for the Commanders. Sunday’s game against Philadelphia will be safety Kam Curl’s first game of the season. Curl missed the first two games after undergoing surgery on his thumb.

In his place, Darrick Forrest started at safety and was arguably Washington’s top defensive back through the first two weeks. Now that Curl is back, the Commanders’ struggling defense can be more creative.

“Yeah, it will,” head coach Ron Rivera said when asked if Curl’s return meant Washington could do more things schematically.

“I mean, to be blunt about it. Yes. Because again it’s really the body type and [S] Percy [Butler], you know, although he’s a good young player with some athleticism, that’s not what he does. With DeFoe [Forrest], the ability to come down and match in the box. He has that ability. And when you have an opportunity to bring Kam back in, put him in, you know, where he’s comfortable it’ll impact us.”

Curl is a good player. He can play either safety spot, cover the slot, or move down into the box. Forrest can do similar things, and it’s always important to get your best players on the field.

Rivera also believes it will help Washington disguise its coverages better.

The head coach spoke on the similarities between Curl and Forrest and much it can help the defense.

“I think what it does too, is it gets us back to the original Buffalo we had going into the season,” Rivera said referencing the all-important Buffalo nickel position in Washington’s defense.

“Obviously, with he and [Forrest] both out on the field at the same time, what it gives is a bigger presence in the body. A bigger body and a bigger presence as far as safety is concerned in the box. So, you feel good about that. And then with those two guys, you could basically mirror left or right if you get to.”

Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts presents a stiff challenge for Washington’s defense Sunday. Curl’s return is big for the Commanders, but they also need more from their cornerbacks, linebackers and edge rushers.

Story originally appeared on Commanders Wire