The Washington Commanders’ first Week 9 injury report brought a fresh layer of concern to a defensive line that is already stretched thin.
Jer’Zhan (Johnny) Newton was back on the practice field Wednesday and worked fully after being limited all last week. That’s a step forward for a player who returned to practice last week when Washington opened his 21-day window as he works back from a torn pectoral muscle. He was later downgraded to OUT before the Eagles game, and he still has to be activated from injured reserve before he can face the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.
Dan Quinn said he likes the direction Newton is headed. “The arrow is going up for sure, and I'm very optimistic for it. But it's important to stack another good week of him in practice and movements.”
The bigger issue on Wednesday came with Shy Tuttle, who was limited because of a shoulder injury one day after Washington placed both starting defensive tackles on injured reserve. That leaves the Commanders trying to piece together the middle of their defense with another key name now showing up on the report.
There was also a question mark at receiver. Treylon Burks did not practice Wednesday while continuing to deal with the foot injury that had left him questionable against Philadelphia.
He played through it anyway and led Washington with 81 receiving yards on three catches, including a 53-yard gain. With Terry McLaurin out for the season, the Commanders need Burks available, though a missed Wednesday session does not automatically rule him out for the Rams.
Stefon Diggs was also absent, but his designation was rest rather than injury. Meanwhile, John Bates was limited with a shoulder issue, Sam Cosmi was limited with a knee injury, and Jayden Daniels and Colson Yankoff were full participants, with Daniels listed with a left elbow injury and Yankoff with a knee issue.
Thursday’s report should offer a clearer read on where Burks and Tuttle stand as the week moves on.
In Other News...
Commanders Suddenly Have A Major Rams Injury Watch This Week
The Rams got a notable update this week when Myles Garrett returned to limited practice after left knee surgery, putting his status back on the radar as Washington prepares for the matchup. Sean McVay said the veteran would handle about half his usual practice repetitions, a sign Los Angeles is easing him back into the routine while keeping a close eye on how the knee responds.
For the Commanders, it adds another layer to a game plan that already had to account for a talented Rams front. Matthew Stafford sounded encouraged by Garretts progress toward playing, but the Rams are still treating the decision as a day-to-day evaluation, which leaves Washington waiting to see whether one of Los Angeles most disruptive defenders will be available when the teams meet. [Read more 🡒]
Commanders Get A Big Chance To Prove Last Week Was Real
The Commanders get a fresh measuring-stick opportunity at Northwest Stadium this week, with the Rams coming to Landover after Washingtons win over the Eagles turned a lot of heads. It is the kind of follow-up game that can tell you whether a breakthrough was a one-week jolt or the start of something sturdier, especially with Los Angeles also arriving off a victory of its own over the Chargers.
For Washington, the setting only sharpens the stakes. A home crowd, a quality opponent and a national spotlight on local FOX make this feel like more than just another Sunday afternoon, even if the broadcast crew is a familiar one for viewers. The Commanders do not need to make a statement to themselves so much as to everyone still wondering whether last week was the real thing. [Read more 🡒]
Rachaad White Could Become A Bigger Part Of Washington's Offense
Rachaad White has been around long enough now to talk about his NFL journey with a little perspective, and the Commanders may be ready to tap into that experience. On a recent podcast appearance, the running back reflected on how much he has grown since entering the league, including the ways he has contributed both as a runner and as a receiver during his time in Tampa Bay and now in Washington.
For Washington, the timing matters. Injuries have created openings in the offense, and White could be in line for a larger role as the Commanders look for more stability out of the backfield. His background gives the staff a versatile option to lean on, and the next question is how far that expanded opportunity can go once the game plan starts to shift. [Read more 🡒]