Things have looked a little more promising for the Washington Commanders this week. A big win over the Philadelphia Eagles on prime time showed the league that head coach Dan Quinn isn't done yet, and with a more favorable schedule in the second half of 2026, getting back in the NFC East race isn't the laughable notion it once seemed.
Unfortunately, injuries continue to take hold of this team. Nothing new for Quinn to handle over the last couple of years, but it's inconvenient all the same.
More influential roster figures have gone to injured reserve. Several more are either done for the year or dealing with more minor issues. The Commanders may feel like the deck is being stacked against them, but these issues are giving others a chance to stake bigger claims for extended involvement.
With that in mind, here are six Commanders players who are quickly becoming integral to the team's chances of growth amid near-constant injury problems.
Overlooked Washington Commanders players growing harder to replace as injuries mount
Charles Omenihu - Commanders DL
The Commanders took a swing with versatile defensive lineman Charles Omenihu in free agency. His time with the Kansas City Chiefs was littered with memorable moments, but injuries left the AFC West club with no option but to let him walk.
Washington saw something in Omenihu that could help. He's a big game performer who often flashed deep into Kansas City's postseason runs, and the Commanders got some useful returns from the veteran before he was forced to miss a couple of games due to injury.
This was disappointing, and it also followed a concerning trend for Omenihu. Fortunately, the problem wasn't too serious, and the bye week came at a good time for the 2019 fifth-round pick out of Texas.
Omenihu returned to the lineup on Sunday Night Football against the Philadelphia Eagles and looked sharp. With Daron Payne and Javon Kinlaw now on injured reserve, he looks poised to be a key part of Washington's success moving forward.
Austin Ekeler - Commanders RB
When the Commanders brought back Austin Ekeler during the season, fans weren't sure what to expect. Some thought he would be an emergency option and nothing more, but injuries to the running back room have seen his influence grow almost immediately.
The Commanders are still taking things slowly with Ekeler. He missed more than a year after tearing his Achilles tendon last season against the Green Bay Packers. It took a lot to get back into legitimate football shape, and it's a testament to his resolve that Washington gave him another shot.
Offensive coordinator David Blough is picking his spots with Ekeler. But when his number is called, the Western Colorado product is producing.
Ekeler has conviction, and the burst doesn't seem to have left him. His pass-blocking has always been an underrated part of his game, and with Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Jeremy McNichols out of action, his role should only increase.
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