The Washington Commanders’ new injury updates help the defense but take away one of Jayden Daniels’ top targets.
Head coach Dan Quinn announced on Wednesday that wide receiver Noah Brown is expected to miss several weeks and possibly the remainder of the season with a “significant internal injury.” Brown, who emerged as Washington’s No. 2 receiver this season, exited the Commanders’ Dec. 1 win over the Tennessee Titans with a rib injury.
Washington hasn’t placed Brown on injured reserve, but Quinn said “it’s likely headed that way.”
Cornerback Marshon Lattimore is also expected to join practice in full for the first time since the Commanders acquired the four-time Pro Bowler on Nov. 5. He’s missed six games this season — four with Washington — due to a lingering hamstring injury. If available for Sunday’s game, the ex-Saint would make his Commanders debut against his former New Orleans team.
Right tackle Andrew Wylie has been cleared from concussion protocol after missing Washington’s 42-19 win against Tennessee.
Washington’s receiver room exited training camp thin beyond standout Terry McLaurin. When the Houston Texans released Brown before Week 1, the Commanders quickly signed the veteran receiver. He had previously spent five seasons in Dallas, where Quinn was the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator in 2021 and 2022.
The 6-foot-5 target entered the lineup in Week 2 against the New York Giants, immediately providing the offense with a big, physical target. Brown has 35 receptions, 453 yards and one touchdown in 11 games. His 12.9 yards per catch is second on Washington behind McLaurin.
Slot threat Olamide Zaccheaus, speedster Dyami Brown and rookie Luke McCaffrey round out replacement options. Washington opened the 21-day practice window for Jamison Crowder this week.
“We’ve got a pretty deep crew,” Quinn said. “Guys can play in different spots. But Noah does have specific size and speed traits that are unique to him. He’s such a tough, hard-ass competitor, so I love that he brings that to the team. It’s definitely a tough one for us.”
Though offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury uses three-receiver lineups as the primary set, the Commanders deployed two- and three-tight end formations against Tennessee more than any game this season. Zach Ertz’s 52 receptions rank second behind McLaurin, followed by Brown and running back Austin Ekeler, who is on injured reserve (concussion) until at least Week 18.
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(Photo: Vincent Carchietta / Imagn Images)
