Commanders overshadowed injury return could be a game changer

Getting wide receiver Terry McLaurin signed to a lucrative contract extension was a massive boost to everyone associated with the Washington Commanders. However, there was another morale-boosting development that got completely overlooked in comparison.

McLaurin's ongoing contract standoff with the franchise was disheartening. It's all part of the business, but it's not hard to see why frustrations were building among the fanbase. Adam Peters finally managed to reach some middle ground with the player's agent, which is a win-win for all parties before a pivotal campaign.

Time is of the essence for McLaurin to get himself in genuine football shape. But the encouraging progress of fellow wide receiver Noah Brown is also going to help considerably.

Commanders' cautious approach with Noah Brown could reap instant rewards

There was an enormous amount of concern when Brown got carted off the practice field at mandatory minicamp. The Commanders didn't officially disclose the issue, but they treated the Ohio State product with extreme caution over training camp.

Brown didn't get any reps during the preseason, which wasn't a great shock in the circumstances. However, the fact that he looked explosive and sharp during an on-field workout before Washington's final warmup game against the Baltimore Ravens represented a positive step in the right direction.

The Commanders gave Brown another one-year extension this offseason despite the player suffering a serious internal issue that required kidney surgery versus the Tennessee Titans. Another injury-hit offseason wasn't ideal, but it would be a big surprise if he wasn't on the field when Week 1 against the New York Giants arrives on Sunday.

If the Commanders want to reach loftier expectations this season, they need Brown to be fit and firing throughout. McLaurin and Deebo Samuel Sr. will lead the charge, but Brown's ability to stretch the opposition's secondary, make plays downfield, and also gain defensive pass interference penalties will be an integral part of Kliff Kingsbury's offensive strategy.

The Commanders have taken things step by step with Brown. He'll be ramped up in the coming days before determining his role in Week 1. If everything goes according to plan, the wideout will be a prominent feature.

Keeping an eye on Brown's progress and potential status on the injury report will be on the minds of every fan. But if the player comes through his upcoming tests with flying colors, the Commanders won't hesitate to get him involved right out of the gate.

That'll be a win for everybody. And no one would stand to benefit more than quarterback sensation Jayden Daniels.

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