Noah Brown’s Return Adds New Layer to Commanders’ Wide Receiver Picture
It’s been a grind of a season for the Washington Commanders - no sugarcoating that. Injuries have piled up like snow in a D.C. blizzard, and while there’s been no shortage of effort from Dan Quinn’s squad, the results haven’t followed.
Still, as the calendar turns to December, the Commanders are starting to get healthier. And with that comes a few intriguing storylines, especially in the wide receiver room.
One of the more interesting developments? Noah Brown is back.
Brown’s 2025 campaign has been mostly lost to injury. It started with a knee issue at mandatory minicamp that never quite settled right.
He gutted it out and made it back for Week 1, but just two games in, an ankle injury knocked him out again - this time for the long haul. The Commanders eventually placed him on injured reserve, giving him the time he needed to fully recover.
And now, after weeks of rehab and a promising stretch of practices, Brown is set to return in Week 14 against the Minnesota Vikings.
What does that mean for Washington’s offense? Well, that’s where things get interesting.
Let’s be clear: Brown isn’t walking back into a full workload. After this much time away, he’s likely to be on a snap count. But who he shares the field with - and who sees their reps cut - will say a lot about how this coaching staff views the future of the position group.
Terry McLaurin isn’t going anywhere. He remains the undisputed WR1 and the face of the Commanders’ receiving corps.
Deebo Samuel Sr. has been a revelation this season, and with the way he’s produced, he’s making a strong case for a longer stay in Washington. Those two are locked in.
The rest? It’s a bit more fluid.
Treylon Burks is just starting to find his rhythm again. After battling through his own share of adversity, he’s showing signs of the confidence that made him a first-round pick.
Jaylin Lane, the rookie fourth-rounder, has carved out a role in the slot and brings a unique burst that Washington’s offense has needed. Chris Moore, meanwhile, has seen his role shrink - his snap share dipped to 27.8% in Week 13 when McLaurin returned.
With his contract set to expire after 2025, his long-term future with the team is murky at best.
In short, everyone not named McLaurin or Samuel is auditioning. That includes Brown.
He’s playing for a new contract, just like several others in that room. The coaching staff clearly believes in his ability when healthy - that much is evident by the decision to activate him.
But durability is a big question mark. And if his return cuts into Burks’ momentum or Lane’s development, there’s a chance fans might not love the trade-off.
That said, the Commanders are finally fielding something close to their full offensive arsenal. For the first time all season, this group is healthy - or at least as close to it as they’ve been. And that alone is a reason for optimism.
This weekend’s matchup with the Vikings won’t define the season, but it could offer a glimpse into what the Commanders’ offense might look like at full strength. More importantly, it’ll give the front office and coaching staff valuable tape on a handful of receivers fighting for their futures.
Every snap matters now. And with Noah Brown back in the mix, the wide receiver room just got a little more crowded - and a lot more competitive.