Three Biggest Washington Commanders Questions to Answer Post-Bye

The Washington Commanders are fresh off the bye week with more questions than answers ahead of two more critical games. What are the biggest questions ahead of the primetime game against the Philadelphia Eagles? Breaking it all down.

Will Washington Get Healthier?

One year after watching injuries derail year two, injuries have loomed large in a make-or-break year three for Dan Quinn.

Running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt was placed on injured reserve ahead of the week six loss, one of four players ruled out alongside Javontae Jean-Baptiste, quarterback Marcus Mariota and defensive end Charles Omenihu. Defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw, safety Percy Butler and running back Rachaad White were among the others limited ahead of the last game. That also overlooks others like defensive tackle Jer'Zhan Newton, who was placed on injured reserve ahead of the start of the regular season. 

The good news is Washington saw wide receiver Stefon Diggs, safety Nick Cross and cornerback Trey Amos all suit up in week six in a welcomed sight for the trio of impact pieces. But can the Commanders trim the growing injury list ahead of another must-win game?

Does Offense Have Enough Skill Position Talent?

Speaking of inactives, arguably the biggest injury is the absence of wide receiver Terry McLaurin for the rest of the season after a torn patellar tendon shut down the rest of his 2026 season. It adds to the list of questions for the coaching staff to tackle, yet the question now becomes whether the Commanders have enough within the building to avoid a stagnant offense.

The signing of veteran Stefon Diggs looms even larger now where the University of Maryland product instantly steps in as the primary receiver target, while rookie Antonio Williams will have an opportunity to showcase his fit as he enters week eight ranked third on the team in targets. The return of tight end Chig Okonkwo may be the X-factor in the passing game after eclipsing 60 receiving yards in consecutive games.

The run game has been a sore spot and the absence of Croskey-Merritt only adds to those questions, tasking coordinator David Blough with proving that the offense can remain balanced. It's clear that the offense goes as far as quarterback Jayden Daniels takes them, but whether Daniels is asked to do too much is what needs to be analyzed prior to the trade deadline. 

Impact of Steve Wilks

Though reports indicated that the Commanders always planned to bring Steve Wilks in to help with the defensive staff under coordinator Daronte Jones, there's skepticism in the timeline given the news materialized just two days after Quinn noted there will be changes going into the team's bye week. Nonetheless, it comes as the defense has shown flashes, yet failed to put a complete game together. 

Yet the longtime NFL coach will now get a chance to serve as another set of veteran eyes for a defense set to prepare for the Los Angeles Rams in two weeks. Wilks has long struggled during his own tenure as a head coach, yet with a chance to make an impact with the defensive game planning, what wrinkles are added to turnaround a defense with talent, yet inconsistent results?