The Washington Commanders pulled off a stunning 45-31 upset against the top-seeded Detroit Lions in the NFC divisional round, securing their first trip to the NFC championship since 1991. The victory was bittersweet as the team lost starting right guard Sam Cosmi to a season-ending torn ACL, a significant blow for the offensive line. Coach Dan Quinn expressed disappointment over Cosmi's injury, highlighting his importance to the team's success this season.

Cosmi, a second-round draft pick in 2021, had established himself as a reliable starter, transitioning from tackle to guard this season. His impressive performance included a Pro Football Focus pass-blocking grade that ranked among the top in the league. In his absence, veteran Trent Scott is expected to step up, bringing his experience from previous teams to help fill the void.