Washington's Mclaurin, Brown Out Ahead of Monday Night Matchup vs. Bears

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Washington, DC -The Washington Commanders are once again dealing with major injuries at wide receiver, with two of their top three pass catchers already ruled out — and a third still in question — ahead of Monday night’s game against the Chicago Bears.

Head coach Dan Quinn announced Saturday that Terry McLaurin (quadriceps) and Noah Brown (groin/knee) will both miss the primetime contest. Star receiver Deebo Samuel remains a game-time decision after sitting out Thursday and Saturday’s practices with a bruised heel. Quinn said the team will “take it into Monday” before making a final call on Samuel’s availability.

McLaurin’s absence will mark his third straight missed game since suffering a quad injury on Sept. 21 against the Las Vegas Raiders. The veteran wideout was hurt while diving toward the end zone after a 56-yard reception, landing awkwardly on his leg. Although he was spotted sprinting on a side field Saturday, he did not participate in team drills.

Brown, sidelined for the past three weeks, had been a limited participant early in the week and was able to run routes at full speed. However, Quinn said the receiver “just isn’t there yet” despite solid individual work.

Before the injury, McLaurin had recorded 10 receptions for 149 yards through the season’s first three games. The 28-year-old signed a three-year extension in August after missing all of Washington’s training camp.

Samuel, acquired from San Francisco in an offseason trade, has quickly become quarterback Jayden Daniels’ go-to option. The versatile playmaker leads the Commanders with 30 catches for 300 yards and three touchdowns. If Samuel is unable to go, Washington’s passing attack will face an even steeper challenge.

In the two games without McLaurin and Brown, Samuel has totaled 14 receptions for 168 yards, providing much of the team’s offensive spark.

Brown caught three passes for 36 yards in the first two weeks before getting hurt. Last season, he appeared in 11 games for Washington, hauling in 35 passes for 453 yards and one touchdown while ranking second in the NFL in defensive pass interference penalties drawn (six). He also delivered one of the team’s signature moments of 2024, catching Daniels’ 52-yard Hail Mary to defeat Chicago 18–15 in Week 8.

With McLaurin and Brown sidelined — and Samuel’s status uncertain — the Commanders may need their younger receivers to step up under the Monday night lights.