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Washington Commanders wide receiver Luke McCaffrey Cooper Neill/GettyImages

Commanders' rising stars face defining moment to silence doubters for good

Originally posted on Riggo's Rag | By Hirdesh Matta | Last updated Sep 26, 2025 5:00 PM ET

If I were to tell you that Jayden Daniels, Terry McLaurin, John Bates, and Noah Brown would not play for the Washington Commanders, you might write off the game completely.

That could be the case in Week 4 with McLaurin, Daniels, Bates, and Brown all ruled out once again.

After watching Marcus Mariota step in seamlessly, with young weapons Jaylin Lane, Luke McCaffrey, and Ben Sinnott all making an impact, the Commanders may be more equipped than expected. It also doesn't hurt that the Atlanta Falcons were just shut out by the Carolina Panthers in a demoralizing loss.

There’s a saying: “Luck is when preparation meets opportunity.” For Washington’s fledgling trio of playmakers, that couldn’t be more fitting heading into this weekend's clash.

Washington's win over the Las Vegas Raiders provided a shining example of the work that the trio has been putting in.

Commanders may need even more from their exciting young offensive trio in Week 4

When John Bates went down, there was concern that the run game would struggle. Sinnott answered the call, making his presence known despite not getting any receiving opportunities. He finished with the third-best run blocking grade on the team, according to Pro Football Focus.

After the game, Dan Quinn praised his progress, saying, "That's the most he's played and the best he's played." If Sinnott can take the next step in the receiving game, he could begin to quiet critics questioning his draft status.

Dan Quinn on Ben Sinnott: "It was the most he's played and also the best he's played. That's a good sign."
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) September 22, 2025

Another target who made his mark and has another opportunity to step up is Luke McCaffrey.

Despite ranking in the top five in separation rate among receivers last season, opportunities had been limited. With injuries forcing more snaps his way, McCaffrey capitalized, catching all three of his targets, including a dazzling 43-yard touchdown grab for the first score of his career.

McCaffrey’s journey has been defined by patience and persistence. Just three years removed from switching positions at Rice, the former quarterback finished his final collegiate season with 71 receptions, 992 receiving yards, and 13 touchdowns, earning All-AAC honors.

One thing has remained consistent since he switched positions: his thirst for knowledge — whether it comes from watching clips of his dad, Ed, or brother, Christian, or learning from his teammates.

Patience is essential when switching positions. Washington seems willing to give McCaffrey the time to grow.

His trajectory mirrors other quarterbacks-turned-receivers. Hines Ward posted similar rookie numbers before blossoming into a Super Bowl MVP. Julian Edelman didn’t truly break out until his fifth year, when injuries thrust him into a starting role.

McCaffrey has an opportunity to make a similar leap.

Jaylin Lane has already carved out a role on special teams, ranking third in the NFL in punt return average (17.7 yards). His offensive snaps have been limited, but when given chances, he’s flashed the same acceleration and creativity that defined his scouting report, which projected him as “a versatile multi-phase contributor.”

That skill set fits perfectly in Kliff Kingsbury’s system, which thrives on creative personnel groupings. Don’t be surprised to see Lane lined up in the backfield, McCaffrey doing trick plays from the quarterback position, or Sinnott setting the edge on a misdirection.

Week 4 is the next opportunity for these fringe playmakers to prove that they are more than just depth pieces. This will go a long way towards quelling doubts about Adam Peters' draft decisions since coming to Washington.

This article first appeared on Riggo's Rag and was syndicated with permission.

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