Commanders have a Week 8 breakout brewing and the league has no idea

The Washington Commanders have their work cut out for them in Week 8 against the Kansas City Chiefs. This would be a stern test even if Dan Quinn's squad were at full strength. Sadly, that's not the case.

Quinn is trying to compensate for some severe injury complications right now. Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel Sr. are back to bolster the wide receiver room. Still, quarterback Jayden Daniels was ruled out before preparations for Monday Night Football began with a low-grade hamstring strain.

Then, there's the defense to consider. Specifically, the lack of legitimate pass-rushing options after breakout defensive end Dorance Armstrong Jr. was placed on season-ending injured reserve with a serious knee complication versus the Dallas Cowboys.

Commanders need Preston Smith to play a leading role against the Chiefs

He joins Deatrich Wise Jr., Javontae Jean-Baptiste, and recent signing Drake Jackson on the shelf. Adam Peters hasn't done anything to fill the gaping void left by Armstrong, so Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. must make the best out of a bad situation.

That means those who are healthy must raise their performance levels. Jacob Martin and Von Miller have flashed without setting the world alight. And asking the future first ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer to assume an every-down role at this stage of his playing career is unfair and unrealistic.

This brings Preston Smith under the microscope. The player Washington drafted returned this season after Wise went down. It's been a gradual transition to get himself in genuine football shape, logging 36.4 percent of defensive snaps in his three games so far. He's now gotten his feet wet, and much more is probably needed with the prime-time spotlight glaring at Arrowhead Stadium.

It's a lot to ask, but there could be chances to make an impression. The Chiefs don't have rookie left tackle Josh Simmons due to personal reasons. Imposing right guard Trey Smith is also doubtful, so that's two prominent players unable to provide quarterback Patrick Mahomes with protection.

Nothing is guaranteed, of course. But if there was one edge threat from Washington that could take a surge, it might be Smith.

He's younger than Miller. He's got more accomplished previous production than Martin. That's all the Commanders have, although there is a strong possibility that Frankie Luvu is deployed more as a stand-up edge rusher in this one.

Whether that'll be enough is anyone's guess. Andy Reid is adaptable enough to handle any personnel changes. Mahomes likes to get the football out quickly, and he's got the explosive weapons needed to gain significant yards after the catch. All the Commanders can do is pile on the pressure and hope for the best.

And don't be surprised if it's Smith leading the charge.