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Report: Former Alabama DT Phidarian Mathis suffered torn meniscus in Washington debut

Nikki Chavanelleby:Nikki Chavanelle•09/12/22•

NikkiChavanelle

Former Alabama DT Phidarian Phil Mathis suffered torn meniscus in Washington Commanders debut
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Former Alabama Crimson Tide star Phidarian Mathis is potentially out for the rest of his first season with the Washington Commanders, according to a report from insider Ian Rapoport. The rookie second-round pick left the game on Sunday versus the Jaguars with an apparent knee injury.

“DT Phidarian Mathis, knocked out yesterday with a knee injury, has a torn meniscus and is headed for season-ending surgery, sources say,” Rapoport posted. “The promising second-rounder is expected to make a full recovery for 2023.”

Mathis was the No. 47 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft after a breakout senior season at Alabama.

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After exiting the field on a cart, Mathis was listed as questionable to return by the Commanders.

“Phidarian Mathis was emotional as doctors looked at his left leg/knee. He wiped away some tears and punched the ground,” Sam Fortier of the Washington Post reported on Sunday.

Despite the injury, the defensive tackle will still bring in millions of dollars while on the bench. He signed a four-year deal, worth $7.5 million. It included a $2.639 million signing bonus and $3.796 million in guaranteed money. He made headlines in the offseason when he used some of his signing bonus to buy a house for his mother.

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Last season in Tuscaloosa, Mathis totaled 53 tackles with 10.5 tackles for loss, nine sacks, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries.

Mathis was one of several former Alabama stars to sustain injuries on Sunday. Patriots quarterback Mac Jones had to skip his post-game interviews due to a back injury. Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris also appeared to roll an ankle in his season opener.