Luke McCaffrey is open more than anyone realizes (and it’s raising questions)

The Washington Commanders couldn't get anything going through the air against the Chicago Bears. Although the conditions didn't help and the injury problems depleted this unit, fans still expected more. It didn't happen, and head coach Dan Quinn's squad is now treading water at 3-3 with some testing games upcoming on the schedule.

One of the most bizarre decisions that came under scrutiny was Luke McCaffrey's lack of involvement. The second-year wide receiver is making the most of the chances when they arrive. He's also earning an outstanding reputation as a kick returner, looking like a potential Pro Bowler in this discipline after a sensational start.

With Terry McLaurin and Noah Brown sidelined, and Deebo Samuel Sr. not at 100 percent due to a heel issue, most experts and fans anticipated McCaffrey's role to be enhanced. Aside from a 33-yard touchdown on busted coverage, he was an innocent bystander in the passing game.

A damning statistic surrounding Kliff Kingsbury's strategy only made things worse.

According to Next Gen Stats, McCaffrey's separation rate was three times the league average on Monday Night Football at 10.75 yards. That number is clearly inflated due to the blown assignment on his score, but it's still a telling sign of how much the wideout is getting open without the targets to show for it.

This speaks to a lack of trust in McCaffrey. Perhaps he's not been seen quickly enough by superstar quarterback Jayden Daniels when he goes through his progressions. Still, it's not the first time that the former Rice standout has put up outstanding separation numbers with little to no involvement.

McCaffrey is still growing as a player. The development is encouraging, but the Commanders' coaching staff clearly feels like he has more room to grow before ramping up his on-field influence on offense. At the same time, his explosiveness and elusiveness could potentially help Washington overcome some sluggish starts that have blighted their campaign.

It'll be interesting to see where McCaffrey fits into the equation with McLaurin and Brown due back. The Commanders are also reportedly hosting free-agent wideout Treylon Burks for a visit on Wednesday, which hints that coaches and general manager Adam Peters might not be entirely satisfied with the receiver dynamic as it stands.

Regardless, McCaffrey will keep working. He'll continue to develop both as a pass-catcher and kick returner. And when his number is called, he'll take them.

That's the best way to build trust when it's all said and done.