Well, two starters are returning, but another one is now not certain to play for the Washington Commanders on Monday night.
Dan Quinn happily revealed on Saturday that wide receivers Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel had practiced all three days and are on schedule to return to the field Monday night in Kansas City against the Chiefs. However, Quinn also expressed that defensive tackle Daron Payne, who has been struggling with an injured toe this week, is up in the air, at this point. Quinn said he will have to wait another day and a half (Monday morning?) before he knows if Payne will be able to play against the Chiefs.
The Commanders are already extremely short at defensive end, having lost Deatrich Wise and Javonte Jean-Baptiste, and last week, Dorance Armstrong. If Payne is unable to go, that would mean Javon Kinlaw would continue to start. However, the second starter might actually be unknown. The uncertainty is because last week the Commanders’ coaches actually played tackles Eddie Goldman and Sheldon Day more than Johnny Newton.
On the practice squad are defensive tackles Ricky Barber (6-3, 295) and Day. Day was elevated last week to play against Dallas, and he was used often.
Also of note, Quinn named the Commanders’ three captains this week to be WR Luke McCaffrey, DT Javon Kinlaw and Edge rusher Jacob Martin. Kinlaw has played well the most this season, causing some disruptions and often drawing a double team. McCaffrey has excelled in returning kickoffs, ranking second in the NFL through Week 7, as he averages 29.7 yards per return. Martin last week put pressure on Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott several times, earning a half-sack and three QB hits, along with four assisted tackles.