Commanders LB Bobby Wagner (ankle) expected to play vs. Lions

Field Level Media|published: 01/16/2025, 1:12pm EST

Jan 12, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Washington Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) celebrates after winning a NFC wild card playoff against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Washington Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner returned to practice on Thursday and is expected to play in the team's NFC divisional playoff game against the host Detroit Lions on Saturday.

Wagner missed practice the previous two days due to an ankle injury. He sustained the injury during Sunday night's 23-20 road victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

"He did a good job on the rehab part of it, but getting to see him (on Wednesday) some, through the rehab and today's practice, he looked strong," Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said on Thursday.

Wagner made a big fumble recovery at the Tampa Bay 13-yard line early in the fourth quarter on Sunday. It set up a touchdown that gave the Commanders a 20-17 lead.

Wagner, 34, also had eight tackles and was credited with a half-sack during Washington's first postseason victory in 19 years.

The nine-time Pro Bowler and six-time first-team All-Pro started all 17 games in his first season with the Commanders. He had 132 tackles, two sacks, four passes defensed, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries in the regular season.

--Field Level Media