Treylon Burks - Commanders WR
Noah Brown is back on injured reserve with a hip injury that likely ends his time with the Washington Commanders. The wide receiver proved helpful when healthy, but it's been one frustrating health problem after another since the team's mandatory minicamp earlier this year.
With Brown unfortunately returning to the shelf, it opens up the possibility of more snaps for Treylon Burks. The former Arkansas playmaker produced a jaw-dropping touchdown catch against the Denver Broncos, but his involvement has been scarce since. Dan Quinn likes to go with what he knows, but that has to change now.
Burks has all the athletic gifts needed to be impactful. Being the man tasked with replacing A.J. Brown on the Tennessee Titans was a pressure he wasn't ready for. A fresh start was always possible, but he could have a long-term home in Washington if he produces down the stretch.
Now that Brown is out, Burks should get that chance.
Tyler Owens - Commanders S
Fans were anticipating a breakout campaign from Tyler Owens this season. Just what that would look like is anyone's guess, but the athletically gifted safety had the tools that looked tailor-made to make strides in Dan Quinn's defensive scheme.
These expectations haven't been met. Despite some brief glimpses of promise on the defensive rotation, Owens has been restricted to special-teams duties more often than not. He's making plays consistently in this discipline. So it wouldn't be the worst idea to see if he can do the same in a starting role.
Washington's safety corps has gone through some issues this season. Quan Martin's been wildly inconsistent. Will Harris' injury hindered his impact. Jeremy Reaves has limitations despite his exceptional effort. Owens and Percy Butler have emerged as special-teams players and not much more.
In Owens' case, the approach needs to take a shift over the next three games. Throwing him into the fire will tell coaches and fans all they need to know about his development.
Ben Sinnott - Commanders TE
This is a necessity.
With Zach Ertz out for the season with a torn ACL, the Commanders need to make Ben Sinnott a focal point. The 2024 second-round pick saw his snap percentage surge against the New York Giants, rising to more than 56 percent when he'd been on the proverbial fringes previously.
Sinnott flashed immense potential as a run blocker, both in line and from the fullback spot. He's aggressive and physical to the contact point. The Kansas State product is also growing in pass protection, chipping oncoming pass-rushers effectively before reaching the second level.
And when the Commanders needed a big play down the stretch at MetLife Stadium, offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury dialed up a play for Sinnott. Not for the first time, the second-year pro delivered for a 36-yard gain.
There's been hesitancy around his long-term outlook through the opening two years of his professional career. That will take a seismic shift if he finishes the campaign on a positive note.