The Washington Commanders must navigate a series of injuries as they prepare for their upcoming game against the Dallas Cowboys. Star receiver Deebo Samuel is out because of a bruised heel. Injury has clearly been a factor. Due to this injury, Cam’s impact over the past two games has been almost nonexistent. The injury has significantly affected Samuel’s contributions, as he managed only 15 yards on four receptions during Monday’s narrow 25-24 loss to the Chicago Bears.
Samuel’s 34 receptions for 315 receiving yards and three touchdown-led team are best marks under Wyatt’s leadership. His absence would be a crushing blow to the Commanders. With his chronic heel condition, there are questions regarding his readiness as the year goes on. With big matchups looming, the urgency grows.
Now the Commanders are in deeper water. Wideout Terry McLaurin will be out for a fourth consecutive contest due to a quad ailment. McLaurin’s absence would create a significant hole in the receiving corps, adding to the difficult challenge facing Washington. Tight end Noah Brown, who is on injured reserve with a groin injury, Unless they address it quickly, this predicament has the potential to leave the Commanders in a bind at wide receiver.
Despite these misses, Washington has some promising youth that are poised to break out. Luke McCaffrey leads the team with just eight receptions this season. Add in Jaylin Lane, both rookie receivers, and they can help replace production lost with their injured fellow teammates. Veteran Chris Moore should emerge as an important leader and playmaker for the relatively young receiving corps. His experience will be a godsend as they gear up for this huge rematch.
In a somewhat positive development, the Commanders activated reserve corner Jonathan Jones on Saturday. As a reminder, he was placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list initially. Jones sat the final four games with a hamstring injury. His return would be a huge boost to the defense as they prepare to face a potent Dallas offense.
The team made headlines by releasing defensive end Jalyn Holmes earlier in the day, creating additional roster changes leading into game day. It helps that tackle Sam Cosmi has been activated off the PUP list. He returned from a torn ACL he suffered in the NFC divisional playoff victory over Detroit on January 18. His potential return would significantly shore up Washington’s offensive line as injuries continue to plague the unit.
As the Commanders prepare for their upcoming matchup on the road against Dallas, they now place themselves in a tough position with key players missing. The loss of those injuries combined will certainly affect their overall approach and offensive prowess in this important matchup.
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