Commanders links
Articles
Heavy.com
Commanders WR Terry McLaurin ‘Could’ for Return for Week 7: Report
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, McLaurin “could” return to action in Week 7 when the Commanders visit the Dallas Cowboys. The 30-year-old has been recovering from a quad injury he sustained
in Week 3, and his return would provide a major boost to an offense that has been hit hard by injuries.
McLaurin was officially ruled out ahead of the Commanders’ Week 6 matchup, missing his third straight game as he continues to recover from the quad injury. He suffered the injury against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 3 when he lunged for the end zone on a 56-yard reception from Marcus Mariota. McLaurin was ruled down at the 1-yard line and did not return to the game.
Before the injury, McLaurin had 10 receptions for 149 yards through three games — a slow start by his standards after missing much of the preseason amid contract negotiations. In late August, he signed a three-year deal worth up to $96 million, ending a brief holdout.
Last season, McLaurin was one of the Commanders’ most consistent playmakers, finishing with 82 catches for 1,096 yards and 13 touchdowns on his way to second-team All-Pro honors. He’s surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in five consecutive seasons and remains the clear No. 1 option in Washington’s passing game.
Commanders.com
Hail Mail | We’re moving on to Dallas
The opinions expressed in this article do not reflect those of the team.
The roller coaster continues for the Washington Commanders, who suffered their third loss of the season in a 25-24 heartbreaker to the Chicago Bears. The fans have several questions about the state of the team, and I’m going to do my best to answer them. So, let’s get to it.
— @Colkilla1: Any vets we can trade for picks? Not sure there’s anyone with actual value…
There are a lot of fans on social media who share the emotions behind this post, and as a fan of the sport and someone who obviously has a vested interest in the Commanders winning games, I can empathize with the frustration. It’s never fun for your favorite team — or, in my case, coworkers — to lose a game the way the Commanders did on Monday. There were some high expectations for this season, and so far, things have been inconsistent.
However, and admittedly, sometimes I have to remind myself of this reality, there is still time for the Commanders to fix their issues. It isn’t ideal to have a 3-3 record, but the fact is that they have 11 games left. Their injured players aren’t going to stay that way, and there’s a chance they can get several key players back this week. Despite their issues, they have managed to stay competitive in their losses. I don’t believe in moral victories, but to me, that does provide optimism for when they can smooth out their problems on both sides of the ball and get healthy.
Riggo’s Rag
Commanders missed Eddie Goldman’s presence greatly against the Bears
Eddie Goldman didn’t appear on the injury report before the contest. However, the formidable interior defensive lineman was ruled out on primetime due to illness. While he’s only played 36 percent of Washington’s snaps on defense this season, most of these have come on obvious running plays.
Goldman’s good work won’t show up on the stat sheet, but it’s a big part of Washington’s run defense. The 2015 second-round pick is a space eater. He knows how to absorb double teams effectively after spending time as a nose tackle during his career. He’s tough to move off the block. This decreases running lanes between the tackles, making things easier for everyone else to make plays.
That was sorely missed against the Bears. Daron Payne and Javon Kinlaw lacked consistency in this discipline. Washington’s edge players were forced to do more, and losing Dorance Armstrong Jr. for periods only heightened the difficulty. The linebacking duo of Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu had their moments, but again, consistency was an issue.
This only boosted Goldman’s stock. The Commanders took a chance on the run-stuffer this offseason, but not many fans thought he would make the 53-man roster. He did that emphatically, and he’s now firmly entrenched as a core part of the rotation.
Hopefully, this won’t be anything too serious, and Goldman can resume his place in the lineup when Washington travels to the Dallas Cowboys. The Commanders’ bitter rival might have severe defensive problems to navigate, but their offense can put up points in a hurry. And if running back Javonte Williams gains early momentum, it makes it even more complex to counteract.
Perhaps their rude awakening versus the Bears will provide Joe Whitt Jr.’s defense with the refocusing they desperately needed. But make no mistake, Goldman’s unassuming presence in the trenches will be a massive asset to call upon this weekend.
Washington Post (paywall)
To hang on to their season, the Commanders need to hang on to the ball
For all the complexities of the Washington Commanders’ 25-24 loss to the Chicago Bears on Monday night, all the little moments and nuances that tipped the game in one direction or the other, the defeat had a simple explanation.
“You’re not going to win many football games in this league if you’re losing the turnover margin,” quarterback Jayden Daniels said.
“It’s tough to win a game when you have that many turnovers,” linebacker Bobby Wagner said.
“When we were going into the game, it was going to be whoever won the turnover [battle],” defensive lineman Daron Payne said.
Commanders.com
5 takeaways from Washington’s loss to Chicago
As their record would insinuate, the Commanders have been inconsistent to start the season. Every win so far has been followed up by a loss, and there are several reasons for those struggles. The lapses on either side of the ball have been mentioned several times, but the sheer number of injuries the Commanders have sustained through six games are also worth pointing out. There’s no denying the team has talent, but it has rarely been on the field at the same time.
The hope is that the Commanders will be getting some of that talent back this week. Terry McLaurin and Noah Brown could make their return against the Cowboys, which would provide Daniels with two of his best weapons. Guard Sam Cosmi sounded confident that he would make his season debut this week, giving the Commanders a key piece of their offensive line. It’s unknown how much he would play, but he would at least provide some depth until he’s ready to be a permanent fixture in the lineup again.
As heartbreaking as Monday’s loss was for the Commanders, there are some positives with two-thirds of the season left to play. The NFC East is still wide open with five division games left to play. The playoffs are still a possibility, especially with the number of injured players getting ready for a return to action.
However, the Commanders must find a way to even things out, string together some wins and play up to their talent level. It’s up to them to figure out how to do that.
Pro Football Focus (premium)
Top 15 NFL rookies through Week 6
8. RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Washington Commanders (75.4)
Turnovers doomed the Commanders in their loss to the Bears, with Croskey-Merritt being on the wrong end of two of those three plays. He lost a fumble late in the first quarter, setting up excellent field position for the Bears, already up six. He was later part of a botched exchange with quarterback Jayden Daniels as Washington was driving to seal the game. That play would be the last of the night for the offense, as Chicago drove the field and kicked the game-winning field goal as time expired.
Croskey-Merritt finished the night with 17 carries for 61 yards. He gained 40 yards after contact and forced a missed tackle while picking up four first downs. He recorded a 48.4 PFF overall grade in the game.
Croskey-Merritt has lost fumbles in consecutive games, but the seventh-round pick still ranks fifth at the position in PFF rushing grade (79.7). He’s up to 62 carries for 353 yards and ranks seventh in yards gained after contact per attempt (3.8).
Pro Football Focus (premium)
NFL offensive line rankings ahead of Week 7
11. Washington Commanders (Up 1)
Projected Week 7 starters:
- LT Laremy Tunsil
- LG Chris Paul
- C Tyler Biadasz
- RG Andrew Wylie
- RT Josh Conerly Jr.
Left guard Chris Paul continued his strong form in the Commanders’ Week 6 loss to the Bears. He conceded just one pressure and earned an 84.9 PFF pass-blocking grade, which ranked fifth among guards this week. Paul has earned an 83.4 PFF pass-blocking grade this season, placing second at the position.
Similarly, Tyler Biadasz had a strong game in pass protection against Chicago. His 84.3 PFF pass-blocking grade ranked second among all centers this past week.
Best player: Laremy Tunsil
Tunsil has given up a knockdown (sack or quarterback hit) on 0.9%of pass plays this season, the 10th-best rate among offensive tackles.
Heavy.com
Mike Sainristil : Three tackles in Week 6 loss
Sainristil logged three tackles and a pass defense during the Commanders’ 25-24 loss to the Bears on Monday. Sainristil played 62 of 64 defensive snaps in Monday’s loss, but his three stops were his lowest since Week 1 against the Giants (three). The 2024 second-rounder is up to 32 tackles through six regular-season games, which is barely on track to match his total from 2024 (93 tackles across 17 regular-season games).
ESPN
Former NFL OL Charles Leno Jr. retires on solemn anniversary
Former NFL offensive lineman Charles Leno Jr. announced his retirement — two years to the day after his wife suffered a miscarriage.
Leno announced his retirement at the same time at 2:46 p.m., the moment his wife, Jen, miscarried on Oct. 14, 2023. Leno was informed of the news while in Atlanta preparing for a game with the Washington Commanders against the Atlanta Falcons. He did not play.
Leno said the loss of Paitynn, their fourth daughter who was to be born that spring, had a devastating impact. He said on that day he knew he “was done with football.”
“That day changed everything for me,” Leno wrote in a post on Instagram. “It changed the way I see life, the way I carry myself and most of all, it changed what matters most to me.”
Podcasts & videos
Photos
Commanders.com
PHOTOS | Commanders vs. Bears, Week 6
Check out the top photos of the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium for their Week 6 matchup with the Chicago Bears.
NFC East links
Big Blue View
NFL power rankings, Week 7: Giants suddenly ‘a team with potential’
After their surprising victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 6, the New York Giants have bounced upward in NFL power rankings for the second time in three weeks.
Bleacher Report (No. 23 | Up from No. 25)
Are the New York Giants playoff contenders? Probably not, but they’re quickly becoming one of the more fun squads to watch in the NFL.
Jaxson Dart isn’t perfect, and if he doesn’t adjust the way he runs, he’s going to miss time. However, he has the arm talent to attack all areas of the field, and his mobility can keep opposing defenses off-balance. He and Cam Skattebo are giving New York an offensive identity, and when the offense is able to sustain drives, a talented defensive front has opportunities to shine.
This is a team with potential, and while potential alone won’t win games, it may be enough to guarantee 2026 employment for Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen. Getting wins, like Thursday’s over the Philadelphia Eagles, will certainly help.
ESPN
NFL Week 7 latest buzz, questions, news and fantasy tips
Dallas is optimistic about its health in Week 7. There’s a chance that all three key injured players with extended absences — wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (ankle), guard Tyler Booker (ankle) and KaVontae Turpin (foot) — return Sunday. “This is the week that they ramp up,” a team source said.
NFL.com
Jerry Jones: Cowboys have ‘ammo’ to make trades to improve defense
Speaking at a press conference announcing that the East-West Shrine Bowl will be played at Ford Center on Jan. 27, 2026, Jones said he wouldn’t rule out improving the defense if a trade presented itself.
“If there is a trade that would help the defense, we’re in position to make that trade,” Jones said, via the team’s official website. “[It] doesn’t mean we’re going to make one, but we certainly had in mind when we started this season that we were going to have ammo to be more flexible in terms of what we do with the roster as we move along this year, and of course as we get into the next couple of years.”
The Cowboys traded Micah Parsons to Green Bay for Kenny Clark and first-round picks in 2026 and 2027, giving Jones that “ammo” he speaks of in both terms of extra picks and salary cap space.
Dallas sits at 2-3-1 following Sunday’s loss to Carolina. The Eagles and Washington both losing helped the Cowboys remain close enough to make a late-season run a possibility. Jones’ comments underscore that he knows if Dallas is to make a move, it would be for a defensive player, as that side of the ball has proven to be one of the worst units in the NFL.
Blogging the Boys
NFC East update: Commanders, Cowboys waste a Giant gift
Washington could’ve been the new division leaders with a win, while a Dallas victory would’ve had the Cowboys right on their heels and Philadelphia’s. But instead, somehow, New York was the only team in Week 6 to move up the NFC East standings.
At the very least, Philly was the only losing team to get blown out. Both the Commanders and Cowboys lost their games on last-second field goals, but not without some distressing circumstances. Washington fumbled away a chance to close against the Bears and allowed them to attempt the eventual winning kick. The day before, Dallas got run over by former Cowboy Rico Dowdle and was powerless when Carolina marched the field for their own finishing field goal.
Here are the NFC East standings after Week 6:
- Philadelphia Eagles 4-2 (1-1 in division, 3-1 vs NFC)
- Washington Commanders 3-3 (1-0, 1-3)
- Dallas Cowboys 2-3-1 (1-1, 1-3-1)
- New York Giants 2-4 (1-2, 1-3)
Only one of Dallas or Washington, unless we get another goofy tie, can stop the bleeding this week. Neither can afford a loss in this critical rivalry game, but it would be especially crushing for the Cowboys to drop this one at home. And having Dan Quinn come to town and win, given our current defensive coordinator’s problems, would be an extra heaping spoonful of salt in the wound.
The Eagles are especially desperate for victory after two straight losses, but this Week 7 game against the 3-2 Vikings won’t make it easy. While Philly has extra rest coming off a Thursday game, Minnesota just finished a full bye week and is playing at home.
Bleeding Green Nation
Eagles coaches throw support behind Jalyx Hunt
The Eagles were already thin at the outside linebacker position, with Nolan Smith and Ogbo Okoronkwo on IR, and then Za’ Darius Smith unexpectedly announced his retirement after the team’s Week 6 loss. That leaves Jalyx Hunt, Patrick Johnson, Azeez Ojulari, and Joshua Uche manning the outside.
Patrick Johnson just recorded his first career sack in last Thursday night’s game, Ojulari was inactive for the first four games and didn’t get live reps until the Eagles played the Broncos, and Uche has 13 tackles in six games. While all those guys might be capable, Jalyx Hunt has the highest expectations to step up into a bigger role with this opportunity. That hasn’t happened just yet, but head coach Nick Sirianni and DC Vic Fangio both still have confidence in the young OLB.
“SIRIANNI: As far as my confidence in the guys there on that defensive line, a lot of confidence in them. A lot of guys that have played. Young guy in Jalyx [Hunt] who’s continuing to get better each and every week. My confidence in him is so high. And then you’ve got guys that have played a lot of football, and I’m excited about those guys and continuing to help them get better within our schemes.
So yeah, I like that position. I like the depth that we have at that position.“
Fangio shared similar sentiments when asked about the edge depth and concerns. He explained that it would be great to get more players at just about every position, but ultimately he’s happy with the guys already on the roster and thinks some are capable of stepping up with this opportunity. Hunt specifically is someone the DC feels is a good young player who continues to improve.
“FANGIO: I think he’s a good young player who’s improving all the time and we’re happy to have [Jalyx Hunt]. I think he’s playing good overall.“
ESPN
Should we be worried about the Eagles’ offense? Are they worried about it?
Graziano: I lean yes on both questions, with the caveat that they’re 4-2 and in a position to be able to fix their problems in time. But there are problems, and they do need to be fixed. It’s easy to default to “Oh, there’s locker room tension,” but I really have never had the sense that Eagles players have any personal issues with one another. They all want to be better, and if there’s tension, it’s because of the two straight losses and the urgency they all feel to get it turned around.
Fowler: I was at the game against the Giants on Thursday night and definitely sensed concern. One player told me that this is starting to feel like the 2023 meltdown all over again (when Philadelphia lost five of its last six games), and the team needs to use this week to figure things out and avoid a full-blown repeat. Right tackle Lane Johnson, whose words carry weight, told reporters that the offense felt predictable. The issue is pretty clear: The Eagles aren’t dominating in the running game the way they did a year ago.
NFL league links
Articles
Front Office Sports
NFL Scorigami Creator Blames Glitches on Twitter Platform Changes
The bot that alerts the sports world like Paul Revere whenever an NFL final score is achieved for the first time in league history has been glitching.
“Scorigami,” a term coined by sports internet personality Jon Bois, refers to games whose final score has never happened before, and most often applied to the NFL. For years, an account on X/Twitter has sent out updates whenever a Scorigami is achieved, such as the Texans’ 32–12 win over the Chargers last season.
The account also posts the odds that a current game will end in a Scorigami (Super Bowl LIX had an 82.96% chance late in the fourth quarter) and how many times a final score has happened before. Super Bowl LIX’s rare final score of 40–22 had happened once before in 2004, not a Scorigami.
But this season, the Scorigami bot has been unreliable, erratic, and flat-out inaccurate.
The account has missed Scorigamis. Some posts have said there were “0 games” of precedent for common scores. The bot dumped more than a dozen scores and predictions Thursday afternoon in a torrent.
On Sunday, the bot tweeted that the score of the Buccaneers’ win over the 49ers, 30–19, was not a Scorigami, but in the same tweet it contradicted itself, saying the score had happened 0 times before. In reality, Sunday was the 10th iteration of that score. The bot reacted exactly the same way to the Panthers’ 30–27 win over the Cowboys, a score that has happened nearly 100 other times.
The account has more than a half-million followers, and NFL fans are distraught by its recent issues. Some of them have even started adding a community note with the correct information when the bot gets a score wrong.
“It’s a great little community that is definitely concerned right now,” sports media personality and Scorigami enthusiast Jake Marsh told Front Office Sports. “It’s kind of a part of history that you can check off each time it happens, just because there are only so many games each year.”
The bot’s creator, Dave Mattingly, told FOS that his attempts to work around X/Twitter platform changes are ultimately causing Scorigami’s recent glitches. He’s asking for fans’ patience while he troubleshoots.
“I’m aware of the recent issues with the Scorigami bot and I apologize for any confusion they’ve caused,” Mattingly said. “This season, X has made some changes to their platform that have contributed to some of the recent problems. I am actively working to get the bot running smoothly again, though as this is a personal side project that I maintain in my spare time, I can’t always respond to issues as quickly as I’d like.”
Discussion topics
The Athletic (paywall)
Jesse Minter, Mike McCarthy, Joe Brady top 2026 NFL head coach candidates list
Current/former NFL coaches
Kliff Kingsbury
Kingsbury was selective with his looks during the last hiring cycle — as in, he selected not to look at any of them despite interview requests.
The Washington Commanders offensive coordinator deserves credit for developing quarterback Jayden Daniels, the 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year, who quickly emerged as one of the better young players in the league.
Kingsbury was 28-37-1 as the Arizona Cardinals head coach from 2019-22. While opponents had been critical of the Cardinals’ performance during the second half of each season, it’s important to note that trend has continued in the wake of Kingsbury’s departure. Conversely, Daniels and the Commanders, as a whole, improved down the stretch in 2024.
Teams looking for an offensive-minded coach will likely have Kingsbury high on their list this cycle.
Mike McCarthy
The 61-year-old can get a jump on the interview process as the most prominent coaching free agent of the cycle. McCarthy, whose contract wasn’t renewed with the Dallas Cowboys, wanted to stay in the league during the last hiring cycle, so it stands to reason he’ll listen again.
McCarthy was 125-77-2 in 13 seasons with the Packers and 49-35 in five years with the Cowboys. He’s got his flaws in certain areas of game management, but that record and longevity with two high-pressure organizations is undeniable proof of his proficiency as a coach.
McCarthy can establish a culture, manage egos and develop quarterbacks. Those are three pretty important parts of the job.
