Washington’s offense got a boost ahead of Sunday night with wide receiver Terry McLaurin available for the first time in one month, reportedly on a 25 snap count in his return despite exceeding that and finishing with seven catches for 96 yards and one touchdown. But in a room that features McLaurin and Deebo Samuel while tight end Zach Ertz finished with a season-high ten catches for 106 yards, the highlight of the night came from Treylon Burks, a former first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans.
In his first game with the Commanders, Burks finished with just one catch for five yards, but it proved to be as big a play as any after hauling in a one-handed catch that was quickly compared to former Giants receiver Odell Beckham’s signature reception.
“I saw it all the way,” Burks said postgame about the pass.
“I know what’s in me."
It was a signature moment in primetime, but more importantly, the type of impact play that the Commanders need from its supporting cast after eclipsing 100 rushing yards for the third straight week while averaging over four yards per carry, giving the offense balance as they battle to get back to full strength.
“His hunger index is high. This is a guy's wanting to prove it. And I there's always a space for that type of competitor here. Coming in, man, like, this was a fresh space and to see him express how important it is, how hard he wants to go compete, like, it's been cool to see. Everybody's got a journey, you know, and sometimes they're start one way and doesn't have to stay that way. And coming here, I felt nothing but intensity from him to go. And then even with his finger, okay, is it going to be out longer? Nope. So he saw all the stitches when you come out there, there's no way this guy's playing next week. And then all sudden, he's got a big splint on it. Yeah, I'm good, I'm playing. So I like that because it shows this is important man. Like he wants to be able to do that. There's always a space for that type of competitor here. So I feel that from him. And I didn't honestly get a chance to see the catch yet, but he made one in practice the other day, like, came out of the ground to go catch it. He must have been three feet in the air on a two-minute drill against the D, so not surprised. But I feel his size, length. This is the big, strong competitor. When you stand next to him, you can feel me this is this a big dude.”
After three seasons with the Tennessee Titans, Burks, 25, signed to Washington’s practice squad back on Oct. 17 before being elevated to the 53-man roster on Nov. 4, stepping with with both McLaurin and Noah Brown – who remained inactive on Sunday – sidelined at the time. Though the unit is now getting its playmakers back as the season comes to an end, Burks is proving why he still has a chance to carve out a role for himself.
“Adam, I gotta, you know, tip the hat to him. He was the one. And even for him, coming off an injury, we know he wasn't there yet. But said we're not going to miss a step with you, man. We're going to develop you. And then for him, you see him in there at 6 AM want to learn it and go. The thing I just noticed about like this is the guy who wanted to prove it, he wanted to show it. And I thought, man, we're given the space to go do that. Even though he wasn't all the way healthy yet, he had been injured. And for us to just stay in, develop him. I think there's a lot there. And I'm really excited he's here. I just visited him earlier tonight before I came in. He's got gratitude for being here, but he's also like, to me, it's back to him. Said, no, no, I've got gratitude for the way you're working, the way you're putting out effort, and there's gonna be a big plan for you here.”
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