The Washington Commanders are grappling with a significant injury crisis as they prepare for their Week 7 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. The team’s struggles have been particularly pronounced on offense, where the absence of key players has left them with few options.
The situation began deteriorating early in the season when veteran running back Austin Ekeler suffered a torn Achilles tendon in Week 2 against the Green Bay Packers, effectively sidelining him for the entire campaign. Compounding the issue, wide receiver Noah Brown also sustained an injury in that game, resulting in his placement on injured reserve earlier this week.
Head coach Dan Quinn was initially hopeful about wide receiver Terry McLaurin’s participation, but that optimism quickly faded as the second-team All-Pro was unable to contribute in practice and has now been ruled out for a fourth consecutive game. The team’s woes continue with the loss of Deebo Samuel Sr., who is dealing with a painful heel injury. Although Samuel has shown resilience on the field, his struggles were apparent against the Chicago Bears, leading the team to decide that he needs some time to recuperate.
Amidst this grim scenario, there is a glimmer of hope for the Commanders with the expected availability of tight end Zach Ertz. The seasoned pass-catcher, who has been grappling with shoulder and calf issues, was initially listed as questionable for the upcoming game. However, recent reports suggest that Ertz traveled to Dallas and is anticipated to play through his injuries.
While this news brings some comfort to fans, Ertz’s performance will be crucial given the team’s limited roster options. The Commanders currently have just three healthy wide receivers, and they have recently promoted Robbie Chosen from the practice squad. How effective Chosen will be in this critical role remains uncertain.
With the offense stretched thin, the Commanders are relying heavily on Ertz to step up in crucial moments, especially in short-to-intermediate situations and within the red zone. If he can push through the pain and deliver a reliable performance, it could provide much-needed relief for a struggling offense. The hope is that the team can manifest some resilience from this challenge, reinforcing the idea that they are not defined solely by their injuries but rather by their grit and determination to compete.