Washington Football Team’s Landon Collins, J.D. McKissic ruled out Sunday

ASHBURN, Va. — The Washington Football Team must try to extend its three-game winning streak without two key players — safety/linebacker Landon Collins and running back J.D. McKissic. Both were ruled out of Sunday’s game at the Las Vegas Raiders because of injuries.

Both players were hurt late in Monday’s win over the Seattle Seahawks. Collins hurt his foot while McKissic suffered a concussion. Coach Ron Rivera said he didn’t know how much time Collins would miss.

It’s a pivotal blow for Washington (5-6) as its recent hot streak vaulted it into the seventh and final playoff position in the NFC.

Collins has become a key defensive player while transitioning to a hybrid safety/linebacker role. He’s rushed the passer a lot more out of this look — 20 times in the last five games combined compared to 10 times in the first six, according to ESPN Stats & Information. He also handles a lot of the communication in the back seven.

Washington’s defensive turnaround has been helped in part by Collins as part of a three-safety alignment, along with Kam Curl and Bobby McCain. With Curl and Collins, Washington felt it could disguise coverages better, with offenses not always knowing who might be breaking where — whether in coverage or blitzing.

Rivera said they’d fill Collins’ role by committee. Washington could use more three-corner sets in nickel or it could use a linebacker such as Khaleke Hudson or David Mayo in other spots where it wants more size.

McKissic serves as Washington’s third-down back and has caught 43 passes for 397 yards and two touchdowns. He’s also carried the ball 48 times for 212 yards and two scores. He’s adept at picking up blitzes in protection.

Washington still has Antonio Gibson as its primary back, but McKissic offered a veteran backup when needed. Rookie Jaret Patterson, with 32 carries for 104 yards, also can back up Gibson.

Wendell Smallwood, who is on Washington’s practice squad, will be signed to the active roster and serve as the…