Noah Brown's injury is another problem the Washington Commanders must navigate in pursuit of postseason football. Rolling with the punches and finding sufficient coping mechanisms is critical.
The wide receiver is expected to miss several weeks and potentially the rest of 2024 after suffering a serious internal issue against the Tennessee Titans. It's a big blow to an offense already missing veteran running back Austin Ekeler, who's got a severe concussion and might not return this season.
One player's disappointment presents opportunities for others. Head coach Dan Quinn seemed confident in the alternatives who could potentially get more targets in Brown's absence. Unfortunately, nobody else has shown any prolonged consistency aside from Pro Bowl pass-catcher Terry McLaurin.
This could be the perfect time for the Commanders to take the stabilizers off Luke McCaffrey's development. The third-round pick has gotten plenty of reps but very few targets throughout the season. He's a good route-runner with assured hands, but the trust isn't where it needs to be just yet.
Commanders need more from Luke McCaffrey after injury blow
That's got to change without Brown. Olamide Zaccheaus and Dyami Brown come with concerns attached. McCaffrey is the unknown quantity, which is something offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury could use to his advantage.
It's not ideal. The Commanders want to take their time with McCaffrey and not put too much on his plate in Year 1 of his professional career. But desperate times call for desperate measures.
McCaffrey and rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels are developing some encouraging chemistry. The signal-caller looked for the former Rice star on a crucial fourth down versus the Titans and the wideout came up with the goods. That raises enthusiasm around this connection flourishing further if needed.
This is not about whether McCaffrey is ready or not. He's accumulated 356 offensive snaps — 41 percent of the maximum allocation. He's not exactly wet behind the ears this late at this stage of the campaign. The Commanders need him to step up without Brown to depend upon.
There is no hiding place in the NFL. When your number's called and your opportunity arises, you have to deliver. If not, then those in the front office will find someone who can.
It's a cutthroat business, but it's the reality.
Brown's loss will be sorely felt if someone else doesn't take over the mantle. McLaurin cannot — or shouldn't despite the immense talent at his disposal — do it alone. McCaffrey needs to seize the moment and prove to everyone that he's capable of becoming a core part of Washington's long-term plans.
The Commanders claimed K.J. Osborn off waivers following his release by the New England Patriots. That could help if the wideout gets back to the form displayed with the Minnesota Vikings. However, that does not detract from the need for McCaffrey to become more influential.
If there was ever a moment for McCaffrey to show what he's made of, this is it. Something that would be a significant boost to the Commanders' chances of reaching the playoffs in Year 1 of the team's exciting rebuild.
