The Washington Commanders will be without one of their biggest offensive weapons heading into their Week 7 divisional matchup against the Dallas Cowboys.
ESPN Senior NFL Insider reported on Saturday, October 18, that the Commanders have downgraded wide receiver Deebo Samuel to out for Sunday’s game. Samuel will not be traveling to Dallas, meaning Washington will be without both Samuel and Terry McLaurin for the contest. The injury has lingered for two weeks, limiting Samuel’s ability to practice.
Samuel missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday before returning in a limited capacity on Friday. This initially gave him a “questionable” status heading into the weekend. However, head coach Dan Quinn confirmed on 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 described his injury as “aggravating” during Friday’s session.
The Commanders, currently 3-3, will now face the Cowboys (2-3-1) without three of their top receiving options. McLaurin, sidelined with a quadriceps injury, has been ruled out for the fourth consecutive week. Additionally, receiver Noah Brown, who is dealing with a groin injury, was placed on injured reserve earlier in the week after missing the last four games.
Through six games, Samuel leads the team with 34 catches for 315 yards and three touchdowns. He has been Washington’s most consistent weapon in the passing game, hauling in 18 receptions for 183 yards and two touchdowns over the last three weeks alone.
### Commanders’ Offense Faces Challenge Against Dallas
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 promote veteran Robbie Chosen from the practice squad. Recently, Washington signed former first-round pick Treylon Burks—drafted 18th overall by Tennessee in 2022—to the practice squad. Burks could provide additional experience in the receiver rotation if needed.
Tight end Zach Ertz, who has collected 20 receptions for 192 yards this season, may also take on a larger role in the passing attack. Additionally, Washington might lean on rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt, especially given Dallas’ struggles against the run, ranking 29th in rushing defense.
Despite these setbacks, head coach Dan Quinn expressed confidence in the team’s depth and resilience. “It’s tough losing guys like Deebo, but it’s next man up,” Quinn said on 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.
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/washington-commanders/deebo-samuel-injury-update-ruled-out/
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