After benching and injury, Allegretti returns as Commanders starting center

Nick Allegretti is set to return as the Washington Commanders’ starting center against the New York Giants after Lucas Patrick entered concussion protocol. Allegretti opened the season at center but was benched after three games, following a calf injury that disrupted his training camp; he also did not play last week while the team used rookie Matt Gulbin after Patrick left the game. Coach Dan Quinn said Allegretti had been working more at guard, and the team has continued to focus on its broader struggles, including penalties and red-zone execution. Allegretti said working with mental health coaches helped him manage the difficulty of injuries and fluctuating playing time, and that he is eager for another chance at the position.