The Washington Commanders got the best possible news before their Week 5 contest against the Los Angeles Chargers, with the return of star quarterback Jayden Daniels to the lineup. Now, even more help could be on the way.
Wide receivers Terry McLaurin and Noah Brown are both trending towards a potential return for the team's Monday Night Football showdown against the Chicago Bears. The latter is back at practice, and head coach Dan Quinn is optimistic about the availability of the former.
If the Commanders do get McLaurin and/or Brown back in the lineup, it will create an interesting dilemma with young players who've stepped up in their absence.
Commanders' wide receiver conundrum is a nice problem for Kliff Kingsbury to have
Second-year pro Luke McCaffrey and fourth-round rookie Jaylin Lane have both come along nicely in recent weeks with the depleted field of weapons. Now comes the next step in their development: doing it when their competition for grabs isn't on the shelf.
It goes without saying that McLaurin's return, whether it comes this week or not, will be a positive for Washington even if it comes at the expense of McCaffrey and Lane's touches. The two-time Pro Bowler is Daniels' favorite target, especially in the red zone and on deep shots downfield. He got off to a slow start this year, even before his injury, but being on the field will help him get into a rhythm.
Brown, on the other hand, is more questionable as far as how he'll impact the offense.
It would be ideal from a sentimental standpoint to have him back against the Bears, the team he was responsible for catching the game-winning Hail Mary touchdown against last season. However, he has contributed little in 2025, with only three receptions for 36 receiving yards in his two appearances.
If Brown returns and finds himself more involved in the offense than McCaffrey and Lane, that won't be a positive sign for the youngsters. On the other hand, if the veteran is productive enough, then it can only mean good things for Washington as long as somebody is stepping up behind McLaurin and Deebo Samuel Sr.
However, the Commanders have to brace for the possibility that Brown has nothing left in the tank.
In that case, McCaffrey and Lane will need to find ways to remain involved and solidify themselves as building blocks that Washington can count on regardless of the situation.