The Washington Commanders are scrambling to fill a glaring gap in their wide receiver lineup as Terry McLaurin remains sidelined. The star receiver has missed three straight games following a quad injury, leaving the team searching for reinforcements just ahead of their Week 7 showdown with the Dallas Cowboys.
Terry McLaurin Downgraded to Non-Participant
McLaurin, 30, was initially listed as a limited participant in Wednesday’s practice, giving fans a glimmer of hope for his return. However, the team confirmed on Thursday that he would not practice at all this week, dealing a blow to Washington’s passing attack.
The quad injury, first sustained during the Commanders’ Week 3 41-24 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, has kept him off the field ever since. Without McLaurin, the team’s offense is facing a serious challenge against a strong Cowboys defense.
Treylon Burks Set to Join the Commanders
To address the thin wide receiver corps, the Commanders are expected to sign former Tennessee Titans first-round pick Treylon Burks to the practice squad. According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, Burks could see a quick elevation to the active roster, though immediate participation in Sunday’s game remains uncertain.
Burks, who visited both Washington and the Denver Broncos before the deal, is seen as a low-risk, high-reward addition. He previously played in an offensive scheme similar to Washington’s, which could help him adapt faster if called upon.
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Rookie season: 33 receptions, 444 yards, 1 touchdown over 11 games
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Drafted: First round, 2022 by Tennessee Titans
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College: Arkansas
While Rapoport cautioned that Burks might not be ready for immediate game action, he described the signing as a timely move given the Commanders’ depth issues at wide receiver.
Commanders’ Wide Receiver Depth Hits Crisis
Washington’s receiving unit has been hit hard by injuries this season. Deebo Samuel, another key pass-catcher, is dealing with a heel issue that leaves his Week 7 status uncertain. Meanwhile, veteran Noah Brown was placed on injured reserve on Wednesday due to groin and knee problems, sidelining him for at least four weeks.
This combination of injuries leaves the Commanders with a skeletal receiving corps. The addition of Burks could provide the team with much-needed options in both practice and potential game action.
Impact on Week 7 Game Plan
The Week 7 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, set to kickoff at 4:25 p.m. ET, will test the Commanders’ depleted lineup. Without McLaurin and possibly Samuel, quarterback Sam Howell faces a more limited set of targets. The team will likely lean on Burks and other backups to maintain offensive production.
The situation highlights a broader concern for Washington as it tries to remain competitive in a tight NFC East division. Injuries are forcing the team to adapt quickly, with roster moves becoming critical to sustaining their season.
Treylon Burks’ Background and Potential
Treylon Burks entered the NFL as a high-profile rookie in 2022, drafted by the Titans in a trade that sent A.J. Brown to Philadelphia. He showed flashes of promise in college at Arkansas, bringing physicality and versatility to the field.
Burks’ rookie campaign yielded moderate success, but analysts noted his potential as a strong outside receiver who can stretch the field. His familiarity with similar offensive schemes may allow for a faster integration into Washington’s game plan, though game readiness remains the biggest question for Sunday.
| Player | Injury Status | Expected Return | Key Stats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terry McLaurin | Quad | TBD | 3 games missed |
| Deebo Samuel | Heel | Questionable | Limited practice |
| Noah Brown | Groin/Knee | 4+ weeks | Injured reserve |
| Treylon Burks | N/A | Possible elevation | 33 catches, 444 yards, 1 TD (2022) |
The table highlights the urgent need for depth at wide receiver as the Commanders approach a critical divisional matchup.
Moving Forward Without McLaurin
While Burks offers hope, the reality is that Washington’s passing attack will be limited without McLaurin. The team will need creative play-calling and contributions from lesser-known receivers to stay competitive against the Cowboys.
The next few games could define the Commanders’ season, as injuries continue to test the depth and resilience of their roster. With Burks potentially on the active roster soon, fans will watch closely to see if he can make an immediate impact.
The coming week will reveal whether these roster moves can offset the loss of McLaurin and other key players. Washington’s ability to adapt will play a major role in their performance in the NFC East this season.
The question now is whether Burks can rise to the occasion and help the Commanders maintain momentum. What do you think about this move? Share your thoughts with friends on social media.
