The Washington Redskins have placed rookie defensive lineman Jonathan Allen on injured reserve after undergoing foot surgery.
Coach Jay Gruden says there's "absolutely" a chance Allen returns this season.
The Redskins now have Allen and kicker Dustin Hopkins on IR and by NFL rules can bring up to two players back before the season is over.
Gruden said Thursday the team got good news after Allen's surgery to repair a Lisfranc sprain in his left foot.
A.J. Francis was signed to the practice squad and then the active roster to fill Allen's spot.
Allen, the 17th overall pick out of Alabama, played well in his first five NFL games, registering 10 tackles and a sack and providing plenty of pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
His injury puts more of an onus on second-year linemen Matt loannidis and Anthony Lanier to take on bigger roles.
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