Commanders' McLaurin ruled out again: "He did have a good week in individual work."
The Washington Commanders will face the Chicago Bears without key wide receivers Terry McLaurin and Noah Brown, who are both ruled out due to injuries.
Why it matters: The absence of McLaurin and Brown significantly impacts the Commanders’ offensive strategy as they prepare for a crucial matchup against the Bears.
- McLaurin has been a central figure in the team’s passing game, having caught 10 passes for 149 yards in the first three games of the season.
- Brown's experience adds depth; he contributed 35 receptions for 453 yards last season and was effective at drawing defensive penalties.
What’s new: McLaurin will miss his third consecutive game as he continues to recover from a quad injury sustained while diving for a catch against the Las Vegas Raiders on September 21.
- Coach Dan Quinn noted, “He did have a good week in the individual work, but he's just not there yet,” highlighting ongoing concerns about his readiness.
By the numbers: The Commanders receiving corps is heavily reliant on Deebo Samuel, who leads the team with 30 catches for 300 yards and three touchdowns.
- In the two weeks without McLaurin and Brown, Samuel has stepped up, catching 14 passes for 168 yards, demonstrating his capability to carry the load.
Yes, but: While Samuel's increased production is promising, it raises questions about the sustainability of the offense against a tough opponent like the Bears.
- Without complementary threats like McLaurin and Brown, defenses can focus more on containing Samuel, potentially limiting his effectiveness.
What to watch: The game against the Bears will test the resilience of the Commanders’ offense.
- It will be critical to see if quarterback play can adapt effectively to the loss of two primary targets and how well the remaining receivers can step up in their absence.
The bottom line: The Commanders must navigate this period of uncertainty with injuries that could hinder their offensive prowess while trying to maintain their competitive edge against the Bears.
