Wise emotional after injury: "I raised my right hand to fans as I left."

In a challenging game for the Washington Commanders, defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr. and tight end John Bates were both ruled out due to injuries sustained against the Green Bay Packers.

Why it matters: The injuries could significantly impact the Commanders' depth and performance as they navigate through the season.

• Wise's departure is particularly concerning given his recent contributions after signing with Washington this offseason.
• Without Bates, the team may struggle in both blocking schemes and passing plays that involve tight end participation.

What’s new: Deatrich Wise Jr. was carted off the field during the second quarter of the game after suffering a left quadriceps injury while defending a Green Bay extra-point attempt.

• The injury occurred with 7 minutes and 34 seconds remaining in the half, marking a pivotal moment in the game.
• Teammates surrounded Wise, who visibly showed emotion before raising his right hand to acknowledge fans as he left the field.

What to watch: With Wise sidelined, second-year player Javontae Jean-Baptiste filled in at defensive end.

• This transition will test the team's depth on the defensive line as they aim to maintain pressure on opposing quarterbacks in their upcoming games.
• Fans will be keen to see how Jean-Baptiste adapts to increased responsibilities and whether the coaching staff can adjust schemes effectively.

Yes, but: While losing Wise and Bates is a setback, the Commanders have faced injuries before and managed to adapt.

• The offensive system may shift to lean more on wide receiver talent and utilize different formations to offset the loss of Bates’ blocking capabilities.
• Coaches might also explore creative ways to use existing personnel to fill gaps in the lineup.

The bottom line: Injuries are an unfortunate reality in the NFL, but how the Commanders respond in the coming weeks will be crucial for their season.

• As the team prepares for its next matchups, effective strategies to compensate for these losses will be essential if they hope to secure victories.
• Monitoring the status of Wise and Bates in practice will provide insights into their recovery timelines and potential return to action.