Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys can still clinch the top overall seed in the NFC. With so much on the line, Prescott will be pleased seeing the Washington Commanders' latest injury update.

The Commanders, who have been eliminated from the playoffs, have ruled out numerous players for their Week 18 clash with the Cowboys. Among them is defensive lineman Jonathan Allen, who was named to his second-straight Pro Bowl in 2022.

Allen was ruled out with a knee injury. He has been one of the leaders of Washington's defense, racking up 65 tackles, 16 for a loss, 17 quarterback hits and 7.5 sacks. The Commanders as a whole rank fourth-best in the NFL, allowing just 312.3 yards per game.

Related Dallas Cowboys NewsArticle continues below
Jan 11, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) reacts after a catch against the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth quarter in an AFC wild card game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
George Pickens takes passive-aggressive shot at Steelers culture
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) runs after catching a pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second quarter at AT&T Stadium.
Cowboys’ CeeDee Lamb very happy to have 2 working arms again
Tyler Booker in the middle, Dak Prescott and Coach Brian Schottenheimer around him, Dark Cloudy skies in the background
Dallas Cowboys’ single best move in 2025 NFL offseason

Dallas and Washington first faced off in Week 4 with the Cowboys coming out victorious, 25-10. Prescott did not play that game, but Allen still made a team-high eight tackles, four for a loss and a sack.

The Cowboys will still need some help in earning the NFC's top spot. To win the NFC East, they'll need to beat the Commanders and have the Eagles lose to the Giants. To earn the NFC's top overall seed, they'll need a win over Washington, an Eagles loss and a 49ers loss to the Cardinals.

The Cowboys top priority is defeating the Commanders in Week 18. To do so, they'll need Dak Prescott – who has thrown for 2,732 yards, 22 touchdowns and 14 interceptions this – to play at the top of his game. Seeing Allen shut down for Week 18 should take a bit of pressure off Prescott as the Cowboys look to improve their playoff positioning.