Treylon Burks - Commanders WR
As mentioned previously, the Washington Commanders won't have wide receiver Terry McLaurin to depend on this season after he suffered a torn patellar tendon against the San Francisco 49ers. And with head coach Dan Quinn saying Stefon Diggs' role won't change, the onus falls on others.
We've already mentioned third-round rookie Antonio Williams, but if there was ever a time for Treylon Burks to finally fulfill his pre-draft promise, it's now.
Burks has flashed downfield capabilities and improved ball tracking this season. He's always had the physical tools, and the wideout seems to be earning quarterback Jayden Daniels' trust after a 66-yard receiving effort in San Francisco.
That will be needed, and much more, with McLaurin now on the shelf.
The former Arkansas standout opted to re-sign in Washington this offseason. Burks believed this was the environment where he could flourish under offensive coordinator David Blough, and he'll have the chance to prove it over the next 11 games if he stays healthy.
Shy Tuttle - Commanders DL
Tim Settle Jr.'s emotional reunion in Washington hasn't gone as planned. He missed time over the summer due to injury and still hasn't hit his marks on the field. He's had a few flashes of dominance, but consistency remains his biggest stumbling block.
The Commanders are losing patience. Defensive coordinator Daronte Jones has split Settle's reps with experienced nose tackle Shy Tuttle over the last two games, and he's been a much sturdier presence in the trenches.
If the same trend continues, Tuttle could see a snap surge at Settle's expense.
Tuttle didn't shine much as a nose tackle with the Carolina Panthers, but he's made an impact when called upon this season. He absorbs double teams well and can push the pile on running plays. That's all the Commanders need in Jones' system, so it wouldn't be surprising to see him more involved after the bye.
Austin Ekeler - Commanders RB
Jacory Croskey-Merritt is on injured reserve for at least the next two weeks with a groin injury. Dan Quinn still isn't sure what his return timetable looks like, but the Commanders have enough experience in the running back room to cope.
Free-agent signing Rachaad White has underwhelmed so far. Jeremy McNichols is a respected locker-room presence and special-teams asset, but tasking him with prominent carries wouldn't be smart.
Even though the Commanders are using a committee approach, don't be surprised if Austin Ekeler starts to establish himself more after the bye week.
Ekeler rejoined the squad during the campaign and flashed promise against the Indianapolis Colts. The Commanders are bringing him along gradually, given he didn't have an offseason with the team and missed more than a year with a torn Achilles. But with a few weeks to learn the system and the bye week to rest up, fans should see the best of him now.
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