The Washington Commanders already knew they’d be heading into Sunday’s recreation towards the Indianapolis Colts with out Jayden Daniels.
Now Marcus Mariota could possibly be requested to win with out two extra necessary items of Washington’s offense.
Terry McLaurin damage provides to Commanders’ issues
Washington formally dominated Daniels out Friday as he continues recovering from the dislocated left elbow he suffered towards the Dallas Cowboys. Will probably be the second consecutive recreation Daniels has missed, leaving Mariota to make one other begin.
That was anticipated.
What occurred with Terry McLaurin wasn’t.
McLaurin wasn’t even listed on Washington’s damage report Wednesday or Thursday. Then a hamstring issue surfaced Friday, limiting him in follow and leaving him questionable for Sunday’s recreation in London.
The timing could not be a lot worse.
McLaurin is tied for Washington’s staff lead with a 22% goal share and leads the Commanders with a 28.4% first-read goal share. Dropping that safety blanket can be troublesome sufficient with Daniels behind middle.
Doubtlessly shedding him whereas already beginning a backup quarterback is one other drawback fully.
Marcus Mariota could possibly be working with a depleted offense
McLaurin is not Washington’s solely further concern.
Working again Rachaad White has already been dominated out with a shoulder damage after lacking follow all through the week. Beginning guard Sam Cosmi can also be out with concussion and throat accidents.
Abruptly, the state of affairs round Mariota seems significantly completely different than it did following Washington’s 33-31 victory over the Seattle Seahawks.
Mariota played well instead of Daniels, finishing 19 of 31 passes for 183 yards and three touchdowns with out throwing an interception.
He may have one other efficiency like that towards Indianapolis.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt sits atop Washington’s depth chart at operating again, whereas Austin Ekeler offers the Commanders one other veteran possibility within the backfield. Stefon Diggs would grow to be much more necessary within the passing recreation if McLaurin cannot go.
There are nonetheless weapons accessible.
There simply aren’t almost as many as Washington most likely anticipated to have.
Commanders want greater than Marcus Mariota towards Colts
The straightforward storyline coming into Week 4 was all the time going to be Daniels’ absence.
Washington survived with out him as soon as. Mariota confirmed he is able to protecting the offense purposeful and profitable a recreation whereas Daniels recovers.
Sunday could possibly be a a lot more durable check.
It is one factor to switch your beginning quarterback. It is one other to ask his substitute to compensate for accidents elsewhere on the similar time.
The Commanders already know Daniels and White will not play. Now they’re ready to search out out whether or not their No. 1 receiver will be a part of them on the sideline.
If McLaurin cannot go, Daniels’ absence won’t even be Washington’s largest offensive drawback anymore.
It will be every thing lacking across the man changing him.
