Apke is a core special teamer who made zero starts on defense last season. All 356 of his snaps came on the third unit. Valuable for the Commanders, though not relevant to our interests at NBC Sports EDGE dot com.  

Apke was considered a game-time decision heading into the game after sustaining the injury last week. With the second-year player from Penn State sidelined, Jeremy Reaves appears in line to draw the start at free safety for the game.

Apke is nursing a knee injury sustained during Week 16's overtime loss to the Giants. With Montae Nicholson (neck) on injured reserve and Landon Collins (shoulder) ruled out, Apke will likely fill a starting role in Washington's secondary Week 17 if cleared to play.

A 2018 fourth-round pick, Apke is a premier athlete (4.34 40) who lacks experience playing safety after starting out as a wide receiver during his time at Penn State. A hamstring injury limited him to two appearances last season, with each of his 22 snaps coming on special teams. Apke and Deshazor Everett likely will compete for the third safety role, which could lead to some playing time in nickel and dime packages.