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Commanders Announce Deebo Samuel Update Before Chargers Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Josh Valdez | Last updated Oct 3, 2025 6:26 PM ET

The Washington Commanders acquired Deebo Samuel in the offseason to be their No. 2 wide receiver, but fellow wideout Terry McLaurin's quadriceps injury changed things.

The latter player exited with the ailment in Week 3's 41-24 win against the Las Vegas Raiders after trying to dive in the end zone at the end of a 56-yard reception. He missed Week 4's 34-27 loss to the Atlanta Falcons and will miss Sunday's road date with the Los Angeles Chargers, via ESPN.

Samuel took over McLaurin's No. 1 receiver role in the Falcons game, notching six catches on six targets with a touchdown as well as nine rushing yards on three carries. The 29-year-old leads the team this season in receptions (22), targets (27), receiving yards (204), and yards after catch (121). He's also tied for the team lead with two touchdown catches.

However, Samuel (heel) missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday, via the Commanders' social media. Luckily for them, the veteran made progress on Friday, per their injury report.

Washington Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (1) Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Samuel practiced fully and is listed as active for the Chargers game. Head coach Dan Quinn confirmed that the former San Francisco 49er is "ready to go," via ESPN's John Keim.

Samuel has played every game this season, but his status for Sunday would've been in danger had he missed Friday's practice. The former Pro Bowler did get work in on a side field on Wednesday as well, via Keim.

Samuel's health is especially important given McLaurin and No. 3 wide receiver Noah Brown's (groin/knee) absences. If Samuel were out, Washington would only have backups Chris Moore (three catches this season) and Luke McCaffrey (six catches) at the position.

#WASvsLAC game status
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) October 3, 2025

Deebo Samuel Can Reconnect With Jayden Daniels Against Chargers

In addition to Samuel, Commanders starting quarterback Jayden Daniels (knee) will be available on Sunday after missing the last two games, via Keim. Samuel posted a combined 83 receiving yards over the last two contests with backup signal-caller Marcus Mariota, but he notched 121 yards over the first two games with Daniels.

Daniels also fed Samuel 18 targets over those games against nine with Mariota. Additionally, Daniels might target his new teammate even more on Sunday given McLaurin's absence.

The 2-2 Commanders will face the 3-1 Chargers at 4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday. The game will be at SoFi Stadium and will be broadcast on Fox.

After that, Washington will host the Chicago Bears on ESPN's "Monday Night Football" in Week 6.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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