Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels will be throwing to a banged-up wide receiver group this week. After Terry McLaurin and Noah Brown were confirmed to be ruled out, the availability of wide receiver Deebo Samuel for Week 6 against the Chicago Bears is up in the air.
What’s Deebo Samuel’s Injury Update?
Washington Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel played through a heel injury in Week 5’s 27–10 win over the Los Angeles Chargers, catching eight of 11 targets for 96 yards and a touchdown.
Heading into Week 6, though, his availability for Monday Night Football against the Chicago Bears is uncertain. Samuel did not practice on Thursday and was listed as limited on Friday’s injury report.
Head coach Dan Quinn offered a cautious update on Saturday, confirming that Samuel’s status isn’t certain for Monday Night Football.
“As for Deebo Samuel’s status, TBD,” Commanders beat reporter Ben Standig shared on X. “Dan Quinn said the team is helping Deebo ‘manage’ his bruised heel. Doesn’t see this being a season-long issue, but enough of one for the coach not to say the WR is 100% in for MNF.”
As for Deebo Samuel’s status, TBD.
Dan Quinn said the team is helping Deebo “manage” his bruised heel. Doesn’t see this being a season-long issue, but enough of one for the coach not to say the WR is 100% in for MNF.
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) October 11, 2025
The Athletic’s Commanders reporter Nicki Jhabvala added that Quinn said the team will “take it into Monday” before making a final decision. Jhabvala also noted that Washington has until 4 p.m. ET on Monday to adjust the roster or elevate players from the practice squad.
Deebo Samuel was drafted in the second round by the San Francisco 49ers in the 2019 NFL Draft. He was traded to Washington for the 2025 season, and he is currently ranked 13th in PFSN’s Wide Receiver Impact Rankings with an impact score of 84.6.
Since signing with the Commanders, he’s quickly become one of QB Daniels’ go-to targets in his first season in Washington. Through five games, Samuel has recorded 30 receptions on 38 targets for 300 yards and three touchdowns, adding 46 rushing yards and another rushing score on limited carries.
With McLaurin and Brown already ruled out, the Commanders’ receiving corps could be thin if Samuel cannot play. If he’s sidelined, Luke McCaffrey, Jaylin Lane, and Chris Moore are expected to see expanded roles in the passing game.
While Quinn hasn’t ruled Samuel out completely, his comments suggest Washington may wait until Monday to determine whether the veteran wideout can suit up for a second straight week despite the heel injury.