Washington has managed to stay afloat offensively without McLaurin, scoring 24 or more points in each of the Commanders’ last three games while averaging 192.6 passing yards per contest. McLaurin’s injury has also coincided with a two-week absence for quarterback Jayden Daniels, forcing Washington to proceed with veteran backup Marcus Mariota and a reduced receiving corps headlined by offseason addition Deebo Samuel.
Washington went 1-1 without Daniels and has won one of three games without McLaurin.
Samuel’s status for Sunday isn’t certain, either, due to a bruised heel. Quinn sounded more optimistic the 29-year-old might play Sunday, while Samuel told reporters “we’ll just have to see” how he feels with the admittedly “aggravating” heel ailment.
“He was able to get reps today,” the coach said. “That was the plan to see where he’d ramp up. So it was nice to see him get the full complement of stuff today.”
Samuel is officially listed as questionable after limited participation in practice, as is tight end Zach Ertz (shoulder/calf).
Fortunately, Daniels looked much more like himself in a last-second loss to Chicago on Monday night, accounting for 263 scrimmage yards (211 passing, 52 rushing). Against Dallas’ embattled defense, the Commanders should find the going easier even without McLaurin involved, helping explain why Washington remains cautious with McLaurin’s return.