Injury-prone Commanders star’s role slipping away after latest cruel blow

Not much went right for the Washington Commanders in Week 2. But the worst part of the defeat didn't happen on the field.

Running back Austin Ekeler and defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr. both suffered season-ending injuries. Star quarterback Jayden Daniels was diagnosed with a knee sprain, with his status for this weekend's clash against the Las Vegas Raiders now in doubt. Tight end John Bates is likely to miss the game due to a groin injury.

After lucking out with availability last season and experiencing very few concerns in Week 1, it's already next man up for the Commanders at multiple positions.

Commanders can no longer depend on Noah Brown's health

In all of that, there was another injury that flew under the radar last week around wide receiver Noah Brown. The nine-year veteran hurt his groin against the Green Bay Packers, which is the latest in a long line of recent setbacks.

After achieving Commanders' cult legend status with his game-winning Hail Mary touchdown catch against the Chicago Bears, Brown's 2024 season met a premature end when he suffered a kidney injury that required surgery against the Tennessee Titans. Over the offseason, he was carted off the field during mandatory minicamp with a knee complication and did not return until Week 1.

Before leaving the Week 2 matchup, Brown looked predictably rusty. Through two games, he's amassed only three catches for 36 receiving yards. He's had some bad drops, including one in the second quarter against the Packers on a third down that would have resulted in a significant gain through the air.

Brown's injury will provide an opportunity for a pair of youngsters, Luke McCaffrey and Jaylin Lane, to audition for a bigger role. The former had a few impressive moments versus the Packers in the fourth quarter, catching a 19-yard pass and a two-point conversion.

If McCaffrey and/or Lane can step up in the absence of Brown, who is considered a long shot to play in Week 3, according to head coach Dan Quinn, it could put his role in jeopardy moving forward. The Commanders have had to rely on stopgap veterans at most key positions because of their lack of productive developing pieces, but that can always change.

Brown needs to get healthy and stay that way if he's going to contribute to the rest of the Commanders' 2025 season. After all, his talent counts for nothing if he isn't on the field to showcase it.

Right now, that seems like a tall task.