Washington Commanders Optimistic About Two Starters vs. NY Giants

The Washington Commanders know that time is running out to salvage a season filled with missed opportunities. Maybe the last opportunity will come in week ten with a chance for head coach Dan Quinn and the Commanders to avenge the week five tie against the New York Giants, who emphasized their division lead after taking down the Philadelphia Eagles on the road. Yet the availability of a handful of players remains unclear ahead of the rest of the week.

Dan Quinn noted that he is optimistic that both wide receiver Treylon Burks and cornerback Amik Robertson will be available in week ten. Though Washington did not practice on Monday, the team announced that Robertson was projected as a full participant to open week ten prep, while Burks was projected to not practice.

Burks was one of two wide receivers who were ruled out ahead of the week nine loss against the Los Angeles Rams alongside Dyami Brown, who was placed on injured reserve ahead of kickoff. Washington saw veteran Van Jefferson step up to fill the void in the wide receiver room, though offensive coordinator David Blough will now look to improve the unit's depth ahead of a pivotal divisional matchup.

Cornerback Amik Robertson exited the game midway through the fourth quarter before returning for the final defensive possession that ended after just three plays and a delay of game on Los Angeles. Robertson's status proves notable as the secondary prepares for its second matchup of the season against Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers, who has recorded over 100 receiving yards in half of his four matchups against Washington.

Maybe the biggest question of all sits along the offensive line after Lucas Patrick was ruled out for the second half in week nine and is in concussion protocol, putting his status for Thursday night in jeopardy. Patrick took over as the full-time starting center in week three, while Nick Allegretti shifted from a starting to depth role.

Rookie Matt Gulbin replaced Patrick in the second half as Dan Quinn noted postgame that Allegretti has since taken snaps at guard, yet the tune changed on Monday after pointing to either Allegretti or Gulbin as options if Patrick is unavailable. Regardless of the starting center, Washington will need to find an answer for its lackluster protection after the offensive line allowed four sacks and six tackles for loss against the Rams.

The latest performance only added to the debate surrounding the offensive line dating back to preseason with Washington allowing 2.5 sacks per game.

The Commanders will look to pick up its fifth win against the Giants over the last six games with kickoff set for 8:15 PM ET on Prime Video on Thursday.