The Washington Commanders will not only be without quarterback Jayden Daniels for this week’s game against the Atlanta Falcons, but they’ll also be without star wide receiver Terry McLaurin.
Additionally, the Commanders will be without tight end John Bates and wide receiver Noah Brown for a second consecutive game. Did we mention that starting running back Austin Ekeler was lost for the season?
Fortunately, Washington has depth at key positions, especially quarterback, running back and tight end. The depth at receiver is being tested, though. With McLaurin and Brown out, the Commanders have Deebo Samuel, Luke McCaffrey, Chris Moore and rookie Jaylin Lane.
There is some good news here. McCaffrey is coming off his best NFL game, where he caught three passes for 56 yards and his first NFL touchdown. All three receptions came in the fourth quarter of last week’s win over the Raiders when McLaurin was sidelined.
Lane also scored his first NFL touchdown last week. However, it came on a 90-yard punt return. This week, Lane and McCaffrey both figure to be much more involved in Washington’s offensive game plan.
Head coach Dan Quinn believes Washington’s healthy receivers are ready to take advantage of the opportunity.
“Right, and I think they’re all part of it, we have a real system that we believe in, and they’ve got experience in it,” Quinn said regarding Moore, McCaffrey and Lane. “They know what to do, how to do it, and so they’re ready for that. For Chris and Luke and like you said Jaylin and others, man, they have put in work so it’s now a matter of, man, go run this system. You don’t have to do things differently, just be you fully turned up.”
While Moore is a veteran, McCaffrey and Lane are young players. Sometimes, the most important attribute for a young player is confidence. The Commanders hope that last week’s performance was a breakout moment for McCaffrey.
Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury believes Lane will be ready.
“Yeah, I think when we drafted him, I envisioned him more of a slot, but it’s a guy who, as camp went on, he showed he can do some things outside,” Kingsbury said. “And so, with our receiver situation, how it’s been, he’s been out there some and having to play, but I think eventually I’d like to see him as a slot in our offense. I think he really fits what we do and can really excel inside there.”
Washington will be shorthanded on Sunday. It’s the perfect time for some of the Commanders’ draft picks to step up.
