Commanders without their top 3 WRs vs. Cowboys: Daniels with offensive challenge

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Washington Commanders receiver Deebo Samuel has been ruled out for Sunday’s game against Dallas due to a heel contusion that has affected him in the last two games.

This situation leaves the Commanders (3-3) and their quarterback, Jayden Daniels, without their three main receivers for the match 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, Samuel commented that his heel contusion was “aggravating”.

On the other hand, the Commanders received positive news with the activation of starting right guard, Sam Cosmi, who came off the physically unable to perform list.

Cosmi suffered a torn right anterior cruciate ligament in the Commanders’ victory over Detroit in the NFC playoffs on January 18. He had started every game at right guard for Washington in 2023 and 2024.

With McLaurin and Brown out for the last three games, Samuel was the primary focus of Washington’s aerial attack. He accumulated 18 receptions for 183 yards and two touchdowns. However, his performance was affected by the heel problem in Monday’s 25-24 loss to Chicago, where he only managed 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 also have the option of promoting veteran Robbie Chosen from the practice squad. This week, they signed Treylon Burks, Tennessee’s 18th pick in 2022, to the practice squad. They also have Jacoby Jones and Ja’Corey Brooks, who was promoted on Monday, on the practice squad.

Tight end Zach Ertz has managed 20 receptions for 192 yards. The Commanders could rely heavily on rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt against the NFL’s 29th-ranked rushing defense.

In addition, the Commanders activated backup cornerback Jonathan Jones from the physically unable to perform list on Saturday and released defensive end Jalyn Holmes. Jones missed the last four games with a hamstring injury.

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