Commanders Aim to Keep Rolling Even without Their Star Receiver
Washington, sitting at 3–2, returns to the national stage on Monday Night Football, looking to build on early-season momentum and prove it can win short-handed. The Bears, who are 2–2, arrive in Landover with confidence after a strong start of their own, setting up a physical matchup that could hinge on execution more than flash. The Commanders have shown steady growth under Dan Quinn, but with key playmakers sidelined, this game may say even more about their depth than their talent. For Jayden Daniels, it’s another chance to show composure in primetime and keep Washington’s offense balanced despite a thinned-out supporting cast.
The biggest storyline heading into Monday is Washington’s health. Terry McLaurin will miss his third straight game with a quad injury, and Noah Brown is also sidelined with groin and knee issues. Deebo Samuel is questionable with a heel injury after limited practice throughout the week, and his availability will likely be a game-time decision. Running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. remains uncertain as well. However, tight end John Bates is expected to return and add another target for Daniels.
The injuries put added pressure on Washington’s run game, which has quietly been one of the best in the league through five weeks. The Commanders are averaging over 150 rushing yards per game, leaning on rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt’s breakout performance last week against the Chargers. Croskey-Merritt ran for 111 yards and two touchdowns, giving the offense a spark it needed on the road. If Washington’s offensive line can control the line of scrimmage again, the Commanders can dictate tempo and take pressure off Daniels to make big plays through the air.
On the other sideline, Chicago gets a boost with key defensive starters returning. Linebacker T.J. Edwards and nickel corner Kyler Gordon are both active, giving the Bears more stability in the middle of the field. Defensive tackle Grady Jarrett, however, is out with a knee injury, leaving a gap in Chicago’s front that Washington will look to exploit. The Bears have struggled against the run so far, and without Jarrett, their defense faces a tough task slowing down Croskey-Merritt and Jayden Daniels on designed runs.
Defensively, Washington’s focus will be on containing Caleb Williams, who has shown poise but still faces typical rookie challenges. The Commanders have generated consistent pressure this season with Dorance Armstrong and Chase Young leading the way, and that edge rush will be key to keeping Williams uncomfortable in the pocket. If Washington can collapse the pocket without overcommitting, it can limit Williams’ ability to extend plays and find his receivers downfield. For Quinn’s defense, the goal will be to force Chicago into long drives and make the young quarterback earn every yard.
With McLaurin out, the Commanders’ passing game will look different, and versatility becomes even more important. Curtis Samuel could see an expanded role, and the tight ends will likely feature more prominently in short-yardage and red-zone situations. Austin Ekeler may also be used creatively as a receiver to keep the Bears off balance and compensate for the missing explosiveness outside. Every completion will matter, especially on third downs, where Washington has struggled to sustain drives in recent weeks.
Ultimately, this game will come down to discipline and physicality. Both teams want to establish the run and play from ahead, and whichever side controls the line will likely control the clock. Washington has a slight edge thanks to its home crowd and more proven defense, but missing McLaurin again makes offensive execution critical. If Daniels can stay poised and the defense forces Williams into mistakes, the Commanders should have enough to get it done.
