The Washington Commanders will be down another one of their biggest offensive weapons heading into their Week 7 divisional matchup against the Dallas Cowboys.
Deebo Samuel Injury Update
Washington Commanders receiver Deebo Samuel has officially been ruled out for Sunday’s Week 7 game against the Cowboys due to a bruised heel, according to Adam Schefter via X.
“Commanders downgraded WR Deebo Samuel to out for Sunday’s game vs. the Cowboys. He is not traveling today to Dallas. So for Sunday’s game, Washington will have no Samuel nor Terry McLaurin. The injury has bothered him for two weeks and limited his ability to practice,” the ESPN Senior NFL Insider shared on Saturday, October 18.
Samuel missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday before returning in a limited capacity on Friday, which initially gave him a “questionable” tag heading into the weekend.
However, head coach Dan Quinn confirmed Saturday that the team will rest Samuel to ensure he’s ready for the Week 8 Monday night matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Samuel called his injury “aggravating” on Friday.
The Commanders (3-3) will now travel to Dallas (2-3-1) without three of their top receiving options. McLaurin (quad) has been ruled out for the fourth straight week, while Noah Brown (groin) was placed on injured reserve earlier this week after missing the last four games.
Through six games, Samuel leads Washington with 34 catches for 315 yards and three touchdowns. He’s been the team’s most consistent weapon in the passing game, catching 18 passes for 183 yards and two touchdowns over the last three weeks alone.
Commanders’ Offense Faces Challenge Against Dallas
GettyWashington Commanders WR Deebo Samuel has been dealing with a heel injury.
With Samuel sidelined, second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels faces a tough test against Dallas’ defense. Without McLaurin, Brown, and now Samuel, Washington will rely heavily on second-year receiver Luke McCaffrey, rookie Jaylin Lane, and veteran Chris Moore. McCaffrey leads that group with eight receptions entering Week 7.
The Commanders could also bring up veteran Robbie Chosen from the practice squad. The team recently signed former first-round pick Treylon Burks, who was drafted 18th overall by Tennessee in 2022, to the practice squad. Burks could be an option if Washington needs more experience in the rotation.
Tight end Zach Ertz, who has 20 receptions for 192 yards, could also take on a larger role in the passing attack. Washington may also lean on rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt, especially against Dallas’ 29th-ranked rushing defense.
Despite the setbacks, head coach Quinn expressed confidence in the team’s depth. “It’s tough losing guys like DeeBo, but it’s next man up,” Quinn said Friday. “We’ve got young players who are hungry to step in and prove they belong.”
Both teams are competing for the No. 2 spot in the NFC East behind the Philadelphia Eagles.
Kickoff for the Week 7 matchup between the Washington Commanders and Dallas Cowboys is scheduled for Sunday, October 19, at 3:25 p.m. CT at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
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