Commanders rookie finally earning respect after being overlooked early

The Washington Commanders earned a much-needed reinforcement for their Week 5 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers, with the return of star quarterback Jayden Daniels from a knee sprain that had cost him the past two contests.

Unfortunately for Washington, Daniels would return to a sub-optimal situation in the Commanders' offense, with two of his top three receivers — most notably Terry McLaurin — still out of commission.

Enter rookie Jaylin Lane.

Jaylin Lane has an emerging role in Commanders' offense

The Commanders fell behind 10-0 to the Chargers and looked well on their way to being down by even more early in the second quarter, with Los Angeles threatening in opposing territory. But everything changed when Quan Martin forced a fumble on a Quentin Johnson catch-and-run, which Marshon Lattimore recovered.

On the ensuing drive, the Commanders marched into the end zone courtesy of a 15-yard Jacory Croskey-Merritt rush. The biggest play on that drive came on a third down from Washington's own 20-yard line, when Daniels needed 15 yards and found Jaylin Lane for a 16-yard pickup.

On first down during that same series, Daniels targeted Lane but overshot the rookie. He has been a key part of Washington's game plan, and the quarterback's willingness to go back to him after the incompletion shows a growing trust in the Virginia Tech product.

Throughout the first month of the 2025 season, Lane has primarily factored into the special teams game. Most notably, he scored a 90-yard punt return touchdown in Week 3 against the Las Vegas Raiders. His speed makes him a threat to make a play anytime he touches the ball.

As a receiver, it's been a more gradual learning process for the fourth-round pick. But he's coming into his own right before our eyes, and his development should only continue to progress as he and Daniels gain more experience together.