Commanders of Washington Suffer Key Losses for Game against Dallas
Washington Commanders receiver Deebo Samuel has been ruled out for Sunday’s game against Dallas due to a heel contusion that has bothered him in the last two games.
This absence leaves the Commanders (3-3) and quarterback Jayden Daniels without their top three receivers for the game against the Cowboys (2-3-1).
Terry McLaurin (quadriceps) was ruled out for the fourth consecutive game, while Noah Brown (groin) was placed on injured reserve earlier in the week after missing the previous four games.
Samuel leads Washington with 34 receptions for 315 yards and three touchdowns. On Friday, the player stated that his bruised heel was “aggravating”.
The Commanders received good news regarding health, with the activation of starting right guard Sam Cosmi from the physically unable to play list.
Cosmi suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the Commanders’ victory over Detroit in the NFC playoffs on January 18. He started every game at right guard for Washington in 2023 and 2024.
With McLaurin and Brown out in the previous three games, Samuel was the focal point of Washington’s passing attack. He secured a total of 18 passes for 183 yards and two touchdowns. However, he seemed to be hampered by his heel in Monday’s 25-24 loss to Chicago, which limited him to 15 yards on four receptions.
The Commanders have two young receivers, Luke McCaffrey and rookie Jaylin Lane, in addition to veteran Chris Moore. McCaffrey leads this group with eight receptions.
They can also elevate veteran Robbie Chosen from the practice squad. This week they signed Treylon Burks, Tennessee’s No. 18 pick in 2022, to the practice squad. They also have Jacoby Jones and Ja’Corey Brooks, who was elevated on Monday, on the practice squad.
Tight end Zach Ertz has caught 20 passes for 192 yards. The Commanders could lean heavily on rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt against the ground defense, which ranks 29th in the NFL.
The Commanders also activated backup cornerback Jonathan Jones from the PUP list on Saturday and waived defensive end Jalyn Holmes. Jones missed the last four games with a hamstring injury.
