Commanders' Luke McCaffrey Stars with ‘Tail Wagging’ Amid Concerns

The Washington Commanders were hit with some adversity this week. First, Terry McLaurin holdout for a contract extension became official when the No. 1 receiver skipped mandatory minicamp. 

Wednesday brought a major blow to the depth chart when Noah Brown was carted off the field at practice with an undisclosed injury. His status for the coming weeks and the start of the regular season is still unknown. 

That leaves newly acquired Deebo Samuel and second-year receiver Luke McCaffrey as the arguable top two on the depth chart. McLaurin's absence and Brown's injury gives way for the latter to shine even brighter in front of the coaching staff. 

According to head coach Dan Quinn, McCaffrey has capitalized on the opportunity. 

“It’s like a golden retriever and a tennis ball. You throw it up, he was running back and tail’s wagging. Throw it again, he goes,” Quinn said in regard to McCaffrey's offseason. “He’s like, just like you couldn’t go hard enough.”

“The detail and footwork of route-running; it was so evident of the work that he put in during his time away from here...To see the technique and footwork to go with it, that made me smile.”Quinn also called McCaffrey an "absolute dog."

The Commanders have centered their offseason on building around quarterback Jayden Daniels. Two of the primary targets missing in action certainly disrupts the process of the offense as a whole gelling before training camp. 

But in the absence of one or multiple expected key contributors, Washington needs this receiving depth to pay its due. McCaffrey seems up for the challenge. 

Brown's situation could have a longer timetable and prove of a more severe circumstance. But many expect that McLaurin will be back in action and the Commanders will eventually meet their receiver at the negotiating table. 

Regardless, the Commanders stand to benefit greatly from McCaffrey growing into a bigger role next season. Perhaps the events of the past week force him into it though he appears to be ready for whatever is asked.