There's been genuine concern around wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr.'s status heading into the Washington Commanders' primetime game against the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football. This is the last thing head coach Dan Quinn needed, especially considering Terry McLaurin and Noah Brown are both missing the clash.
Samuel has been playing through the pain barrier in recent weeks. The offseason trade acquisition from the San Francisco 49ers is dealing with bruising in his heel, but it hasn't affected his ability to become an offensive focal point. He wants this momentum to continue, but the Commanders are rightfully proceeding with extreme caution.
After the Commanders listed Samuel as questionable for the clash, Quinn was noncommittal. He revealed that they plan to take it through right up until the inactives are due, which will likely involve some pre-game workout before the former South Carolina prospect's status is finalized.
Commanders are expected to have Deebo Samuel Sr. available against the Bears
However, a recent revelation from Adam Schefter and Lisa Salters of ESPN provided Commanders fans with a light at the end of their dark injury tunnel.
They proclaimed that Samuel is expected to suit up against the Bears. This follows on from a report via Tom Pelissero from the NFL Network, which stated that the wideout should get the all-clear to participate. And if he's on the field, the Commanders will be expecting him to make a leading contribution with McLaurin and Brown sidelined.
Commanders WR Deebo Samuel, listed as questionable for tonight’s game against the Bears due to a heel injury, is expected to play, per ESPN’s @saltersl.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 13, 2025
Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury will rely on Washington's rushing attack against Chicago's woeful run defense. Luke McCaffrey and veteran tight end Zach Ertz should also feature prominently in the passing game, but Samuel is the man who makes everything tick.
This will be a massive relief. Samuel has thrived since joining the Commanders, and the fifth-round pick Adam Peters sent to the Niners to secure his services looks like an absolute steal. Watching him over the first few snaps will tell fans a lot about how much the heel is or isn't bothering him, but Washington has covered its bases.
Tay Martin has been called up from the practice squad for the third time. This means if the Commanders do so again, he must be signed to the active roster. Undrafted rookie Ja'Corey Brooks also gets his first call-up since impressing during the summer without quite doing enough to make the team.
Asking Martin or Brooks to fill Samuel's role is unfair. But if there are no lingering issues over the opening exchanges, they won't need to.