The Washington Commanders face unexpected uncertainty with their top receiving threat as they prepare for Monday night’s primetime matchup against the Chicago Bears. Deebo Samuel Sr. has been downgraded to questionable after developing complications with a lingering injury. For fantasy football managers counting on the explosive receiver, what is his status for Monday Night Football?
Is Deebo Samuel Sr. Playing Tonight?
Samuel has been battling a bruised heel for two weeks, creating ongoing uncertainty about his availability. The injury first surfaced ahead of Week 5, when he missed the team’s initial two practice sessions before returning on Friday and avoiding a final injury designation entirely.
Samuel played and performed well in that contest, hauling in eight of 11 targets for 96 yards and a touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers. He showed no visible signs of aggravating the heel problem during the game, suggesting the issue was manageable.
Interestingly, Samuel practiced more this week than last, participating in multiple sessions throughout the preparation period. However, this increased activity somehow resulted in a questionable designation on the final injury report, creating confusion about his status.
Read More: Is Deebo Samuel Playing in Week 6? Latest on Commanders Star’s Injury Status for Game vs. Bears
According to beat reporters covering the team, Samuel represents a game-time decision for Monday’s contest. The timing creates significant challenges for fantasy managers, as his status may not be resolved until just before kickoff in primetime.
While it’s never ideal when a Monday night player’s availability remains doubtful until the last minute, fantasy managers have more replacement options than usual. With two games on Monday’s slate, double the typical waiver wire alternatives are available for desperate lineup adjustments.
If you rolled the dice on Samuel and he became inactive, here are the best last-minute replacements available in fewer than 50% of Yahoo leagues.
Luke McCaffrey, WR, Washington Commanders
The most intriguing option is Luke McCaffrey from Washington’s Monday night game against Chicago. The Commanders selected McCaffrey with the 100th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
McCaffrey started his college career as a quarterback at Nebraska before transferring to Rice and converting to receiver. His athletic bloodlines run deep, as he’s the younger brother of 49ers superstar Christian McCaffrey and son of former Pro Bowl receiver Ed McCaffrey.
Deebo Samuel is #1 in the NFL with 36.8 yards per kickoff return.
Luke McCaffrey is #6 in the NFL with 31.4 yards per kickoff return.
Best Kickoff return duo in the NFL pic.twitter.com/LQQibOMwQ8
— CommandersMuse (@CommandersMusee) October 11, 2025
McCaffrey has totaled 523 combined yards receiving and returning this season, ranking 10th in the NFL through Week 5. His 31.4 yards per kickoff return average ranks third among players with at least six returns, showcasing his explosive potential.
With Terry McLaurin and Noah Brown sidelined as well, McCaffrey could see an increased target share in what projects are considered high-scoring affairs. His versatility and big-play ability make him a viable pivot for the desperate fantasy manager.
Tyler Allgeier, RB, Atlanta Falcons
Tyler Allgeier presents a solid volume-based alternative if Samuel were occupying your flex spot. The Atlanta Falcons running back has carved out a consistent role in the team’s backfield despite not being the primary starter.
Allgeier entered the NFL as a former walk-on from BYU who set a single-season school record with 1,601 rushing yards in 2021. He was selected by Atlanta in the fifth round of the 2022 draft and has steadily earned more responsibility each season.
Through the first five weeks, Allgeier has maintained a reliable floor through his rushing opportunities while occasionally contributing in the passing game. His 4.4 career yards per carry average demonstrates solid efficiency when given chances.
Most importantly for desperate fantasy managers, Allgeier offers a decent shot at goal-line touches in what should be a competitive game. At the very least, you know he won’t get you zero.
Joshua Palmer, WR, Buffalo Bills
Joshua Palmer represents another receiving option, though he’s been disappointing since joining Buffalo as a free agent. Palmer signed a three-year, $29 million contract with the Bills after spending his first four NFL seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers.
Palmer has struggled to find rhythm in Buffalo’s offense, managing just seven catches on nine targets over his four most recent games. The adjustment period has been longer than expected as he learns the nuances of offensive coordinator Joe Brady’s system.
MORE:Â Free Fantasy Football Start/Sit Optimizer
However, Palmer’s talent remains evident from his Chargers tenure, where he developed into a reliable intermediate target. His route-running precision and hands could make him a sneaky option if the Bills must throw frequently to keep pace.
The Monday night stage against a pass-funnel Falcons defense that has shown vulnerability in coverage could provide Palmer with opportunities to break out of his early-season struggles.
Cole Kmet, TE, Chicago Bears
Cole Kmet offers another desperation option. The veteran has maintained consistent involvement in Chicago’s passing attack, serving as a reliable target for sophomore quarterback Caleb Williams. His 6’6″ frame makes him an appealing red-zone option in what could develop into a high-scoring divisional matchup.
The Bears’ tight end has shown chemistry with Williams throughout the early portion of the season, providing a dependable option for fantasy managers needing guaranteed touches rather than ceiling plays.
Deep League Options Include Olamide Zaccheaus, Luther Burden III, Jaylin Lane, and Chris Moore
If your options are super limited, here are four more you can go with.
Olamide Zaccheaus has served as the Bears’ WR3 all season. He should be good for a safe 4-5 points, which is better than nothing.
Luther Burden III is a faithful Hail Mary play. His floor is zero, but he already has a 100-yard receiving game to his name. There were also reports that the Bears would get their rookies more involved following the bye. You could gamble on that happening right away.
Jaylin Lane has one game with two receptions this season. In the rest, he’s had exactly one. The rookie fourth-rounder was never supposed to have a prominent role, but with McLaurin, Brown, and Samuel out (if he is, indeed, out), Lane would be one of the top three options for Jayden Daniels. This is pure desperation.
Ditto for Chris Moore. The 32-year-old veteran has never been fantasy-relevant in his career. It’s astounding he’s still in the NFL. He didn’t even catch a pass last season. Nevertheless, he would be elevated to a top-three WR on Monday night. That’s…something.
