After expressing optimism earlier in the week, Washington Commanders wide receiver Noah Brown is in line to return vs. Minnesota, his first appearance since his week two injury vs. Green Bay.
The news of the week broke on Friday when Commanders head coach Dan Quinn announced that Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels was cleared for contact and set to return vs. Minnesota on Sunday, marking his first appearance since dislocating his elbow in the week nine 'Monday Night Football' loss vs. Seattle at home.
But Daniels will not be the only one ready to return to action with the Washington offense inching closer toward full strength after officially designating wide receiver Noah Brown to return on Saturday.
Brown was activated off the injured reserve on Saturday, one day after being ruled questionable in a move that head coach Dan Quinn noted was an expected decision with the rotational receiver activated for the first time since week two.
"Very much in the green high. So, I got good optimism and [knocks on the desk] that's all I'm going to say about that," Quinn said on Wednesday.
"Well, I share the same sentiment,” Brown said in response to Quinn's comments midweek. “Had a good day of practice today and just want to keep that going into Sunday."
The move also led to wide receiver Chris Moore's release to accommodate the move on the 53-man roster.
Moore has been with the team since signing to the practice squad last September, initially a roster cut casualty before rejonining the team's practice squad. He saw snaps in 55% of Washington's plays wide offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury battling through multiple injuries to his wide receiver room.
Brown saw his practice window open last week with Quinn expressing optimism on his status earlier in the week, setting up his first appearance since leaving the week two loss vs. Green Bay with what was ruled a groin/knee injury.
“There’s definitely been moments where I struggled maintaining my patience and got down on myself,” the Washington Commanders wide receiver said last week. “But it’s natural. You can’t stay in those mindsets.”
Brown's likely return gives Washington a boost to the wide receiver rotation with Terry McLaurin back after posting 96 yards and one touchdown on seven catches vs. Denver on Monday, his first appearance the Oct. 28 loss vs. Kansas City. McLaurin's return alongside Brown gives the Washington passing attack ammo against a Minnesota team that has struggled to score points in 2025, while the near-full strength offense gives the Commanders a chance to end the near-two month losing streak.
Brown has three catches for 36 yards on seven targets in less than two games, though the former Dallas and Houston receiver is coming off 35 catches for 453 yards and one touchdown in a rejuvenated offense under Kingsbury and Daniels.
Brown noted how the coaching staff has helped keep the injured players, including himself, engaged through the 2025 season.
“Even coaches [such as defensive pass game coordinator] Jason Simmons,” Brown said. “He doesn’t even coach me, but every time he walks by me, he looks me in the eye, asks how I’m doing. Just stuff like that can push you along.”