The Washington Commanders will be without the wide receiver duo of Terry McLaurin and Noah Brown for their Monday Night Football showdown against the Chicago Bears. And there could be another gut punch coming in the not-too-distant future.
Washington hasn't missed McLaurin and Brown as much as fans initially envisaged. Others have done an admirable job of filling the void, with recent acquisition Deebo Samuel Sr. leading the charge.
Adam Peters sent a fifth-round pick to the San Francisco 49ers for Samuel this offseason. It's proven to be an outstanding piece of business so far, but the former South Carolina standout has also been playing through the pain barrier.
Commanders could be without Deebo Samuel Sr. in Week 6
Samuel is dealing with bruising on his heel. That can't be getting better, given the collisions he's involved in on game days. The Commanders have been ultra-cautious with his practice involvement throughout, but the wideout was officially listed as questionable for Week 6.
Head coach Dan Quinn revealed that it will be a genuine game-time decision for Samuel. The extra day of rest could prove crucial, but the signs suggest that it could go either way.
Washington Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. runs after the catch against the Atlanta Falcons.
Washington Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. | Todd Kirkland/GettyImages
If Samuel cannot go, the Commanders would be in full-blown crisis mode. They'd be relying on the run game more than ever. Luke McCaffrey would be the No. 1 receiver, which is a lot to ask despite the 2024 third-round pick enjoying a breakout campaign through five weeks.
The Commanders have fourth-round rookie Jaylin Lane and the wildly inconsistent Chris Moore to pick up the slack, too. This could be the week either undrafted rookie Ja'Corey Brooks or Robbie Chosen gets elevated from the practice squad alongside Tay Martin.
This will also place more onus on veteran tight end Zach Ertz to produce the goods, which he's done on countless occasions since joining the Commanders in 2024 free agency.
None of these receivers compares to Samuel's influence, of course. He's an explosive weapon with dynamism and versatility. He's also as tough as they come. The heel complication must be causing him severe discomfort, which is why his availability is hanging in the balance.
For fans, it's an anxious wait. The Commanders' chances diminish without Samuel, especially with McLaurin and Brown also missing. At the same time, the team's passionate support knows that with superstar quarterback Jayden Daniels under center, they are never out of the fight.
The Commanders need Samuel. However, they cannot risk the problem worsening at this relatively early stage of the campaign. It's a difficult situation, but Washington's accomplished staff will make the right call one way or another.