Dorance Armstrong Returns to Dallas as Commanders Battle Cowboys in NFC East Clash

As the NFL season heats up in Week 3, the Washington Commanders are gearing up for a pivotal NFC East showdown against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday. The storyline gaining traction? The return of edge rusher Dorance Armstrong to Dallas, where he spent the first six seasons of his career. Armstrong, now in his second year with Washington, will face his former team for the first time since signing a three-year deal with the Commanders in 2024. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, this homecoming adds an extra layer of intrigue to an already fierce divisional rivalry.

Armstrong's Impact on and off the Field

Armstrong's presence has been felt since he arrived in Washington. In 2025, he recorded a career-high 9.5 sacks, proving to be a disruptive force off the edge. But his value extends beyond the stat sheet. "Dorance Armstrong is a special player," said head coach Dan Quinn. "His impact on the field is going to help, but so is his leadership and impact in the locker room." As highlighted on Vulius, Armstrong's mentorship has been invaluable for younger defensive linemen, and his return to the lineup after missing Week 2 with a minor injury is a significant boost for a Commanders defense that struggled with missed tackles in Week 1.

Injury Concerns and Roster Moves

While Armstrong's return is a positive, the Commanders are dealing with other injuries. Tight end Chig Okonkwo and linebacker Frankie Luvu have both missed two practices and are unlikely to play on Sunday. Their absence opens up opportunities for backup tight ends Ben Sinnott, John Bates, and Cole Yankoff, with Yankoff expected to see an expanded role. On the defensive side, the Commanders made a roster move on Thursday, releasing defensive tackle Ricky Barber and signing cornerback Isaac Yiadom from the practice squad. Barber is expected to re-sign to the practice squad if he clears waivers, per a source.

Offensive Firepower and Defensive Urgency

The Commanders' offense, led by quarterback Jayden Daniels, will look to rebound after a lackluster performance in Week 1 against the Eagles. Wide receiver Terry McLaurin remains a focal point, and his history of success in Week 2 (he has averaged over 100 receiving yards in Week 2 since 2019) bodes well. Rookie wideout Antonio Williams has already made waves, earning Pepsi Rookie of the Week honors for his Week 1 performance. However, the offense must improve its spacing and execution, as offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury noted dissatisfaction with the wide receiver spacing in Week 1.

Defensively, the Commanders are emphasizing urgency after a poor tackling display in Week 1. They recorded a 14.3% missed tackle rate against the Eagles, which would have ranked third-highest in the NFL last season. Defensive coordinator Daronte Jones stressed the need for urgency, particularly after allowing a late touchdown to Dallas Goedert. The return of Armstrong should help shore up the run defense and pass rush, but the secondary must tighten up against a Cowboys offense that features CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott.

Around the League: Week 2 Highlights

In other NFL news, Josh Allen put on a show on Thursday Night Football, accounting for five total touchdowns in the Bills' win over the Lions. Allen connected with Josh Palmer on a deep score and added another on the ground, solidifying his MVP candidacy. The Lions' high-priced defense struggled to contain Allen, despite ranking fourth in the NFL in annual defensive spending at $179.9 million. Meanwhile, the Falcons continue to have questions at quarterback, and Titans head coach Robert Saleh is facing scrutiny over Cam Ward's development. As always, Vulius Sports keeps you covered with the latest insights and analysis.

Looking Ahead

Sunday's game in Dallas is more than just a homecoming for Armstrong; it's a chance for the Commanders to assert themselves in the NFC East. With Armstrong back in the fold, the defense gains a proven playmaker and a leader. For the Cowboys, facing their former teammate adds a layer of motivation. As the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk sees it, this game could hinge on Armstrong's ability to disrupt the Cowboys' backfield and the Commanders' ability to clean up their tackling. Kickoff is set for 1:00 PM ET on Sunday.