The Washington Commanders may be close to getting another key piece of their offense back as they prepare to face the Minnesota Vikings this weekend.

ASHBURN, Va. — Commanders wide receiver Noah Brown, sidelined for the last 10 weeks with a groin injury, is finally trending in the right direction, and the journey back hasn’t been an easy one.

Brown described this recovery as the toughest injury of his career.

“It’s hard,” Brown said. “There were moments where I struggled mentally with my patience and got down on myself, but it’s natural. You can’t stay in those mindsets. Feeling it and moving past it can help.”

For the first time since Week 2, coaches and teammates are optimistic about his return.

Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn shared a hopeful outlook, joking as he knocked on his desk for luck, while wide receiver Terry McLaurin noted how encouraging it has been to see Brown in a good place both physically and mentally.

If Brown suits up, it would mark the first time since the Packers game that the Commanders could line up Noah Brown, Terry McLaurin, and Deebo Samuel together—a powerful combination for Washington’s offense.

Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury praised Brown’s versatility. “He’s a guy who can run any type of route. He can play inside or outside and has a great knowledge of our system, so he helps guys get lined up. He’s a steadying presence for us.”

McLaurin echoed that sentiment, pointing to their complementary skill sets:

“Having him back gives us another guy who can win one-on-one matchups. I can take the top off, which opens up the middle of the field for him. He has one of the best footwork skillsets in our room.”

With Brown nearing a return, McLaurin said the offense gains not just talent, but depth.

“Now we have more guys back. It’s not all going to fall on one person. We have multiple players who can make plays and open things up for others. I’m looking forward to him getting his opportunity this week.”

Brown emphasized that he didn’t fight his way back alone. He thanked everyone in the building for keeping his spirits up—calling out defensive pass game coordinator Jason Simmons in particular.

“He doesn’t even coach me, but every time he walks by, he asks how I’m doing. Little things like that help push you along,” Brown said.

As the Commanders prepare for Minnesota, they may be getting a key difference-maker back at just the right time.