The Washington Commanders just can’t seem to catch a break this season - and not in the metaphorical sense. Injuries have defined their 2025 campaign, and Sunday’s game against the Giants in New Jersey only added to the list of setbacks.
Coming into the matchup, things were actually trending in a more positive direction. The Commanders had wide receivers Terry McLaurin and Noah Brown back in the fold after extended absences, giving the offense a much-needed boost.
But they were still without rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, who reaggravated a dislocated elbow last week. Running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. was also sidelined after testing a groin injury during pregame warmups.
Then the game started - and the injury bug bit again.
Noah Brown, back for just his second game since Week 2, exited in the first quarter with what was initially called a back issue. That diagnosis later shifted to a rib injury, and just like that, Brown's return was over almost as soon as it began.
On the defensive side, cornerback Darius Rush was elevated from the practice squad for the first time this season to help fill the void left by Jonathan Jones, who was ruled out with a rib injury. But Rush didn’t make it through the first half either - he suffered a groin injury in the second quarter and was listed as questionable to return.
Then there’s Laremy Tunsil, who’s been in the spotlight this week for reasons beyond the field. The veteran left tackle made headlines expressing both a desire to stay in Washington and an expectation to get paid in the offseason.
But on Sunday, he couldn’t stay on the field. Tunsil left the game twice - first with a shoulder injury, then again with an oblique issue.
Each time, Brandon Coleman stepped in at left tackle.
Tight end depth, already razor-thin after Zach Ertz was placed on IR last week with a torn ACL, took another hit. With John Bates and rookie Ben Sinnott now leading the room, Colson Yankoff had been pushing for more reps on offense while continuing to contribute on special teams. But he left the game in the third quarter with an ankle injury and was also listed as questionable to return.
The final injury of the day came in the fourth quarter, when defensive tackle Eddie Goldman was evaluated for a concussion. He, too, was ruled questionable.
Head coach Dan Quinn is expected to address the media later today, though don’t expect much in the way of definitive injury updates. With a short week ahead - Washington hosts the Philadelphia Eagles on Saturday - the team is back on the practice field Tuesday. An estimated injury report is expected before full practice resumes on Wednesday.
Here’s a quick rundown of the players who went down on Sunday and their reported injuries:
- CB Darius Rush - Groin
- LT Laremy Tunsil - Shoulder/Oblique
- TE Colson Yankoff - Ankle
- DT Eddie Goldman - Concussion
The Commanders are already deep into their depth chart, and with the NFC East-leading Eagles coming to town in just a few days, the timing couldn’t be worse. Whether it’s next man up or next man available, Washington’s roster will be tested yet again.