The Washington Commanders were running on empty before their long-awaited bye week. They received some additional clarity on what is needed at the business end of the campaign with their feet up as other teams around the league battled it out.
Things are heating up in the playoff race. The Commanders remain locked into the seventh seed, although the Los Angeles Rams are now just one game back after a sensational victory over the Buffalo Bills. Looking up, Washington is one contest away from the Green Bay Packers after their Thursday Night Football loss at the Detroit Lions.
The margin for error couldn't be slimmer. Dan Quinn's squad is embarking on a high-stakes situation that could legitimately go either way right now. They must hit the ground running upon their return to competitive action, which starts in Week 15 with a trip to the New Orleans Saints.
This looks like Washington's most winnable remaining game along with their clash against the Atlanta Falcons. The NFC South is not in good shape currently. Capitalizing on this uncertainty is crucial to give their postseason chances a huge shot in the arm.
The Commanders got a potentially significant boost to their chances of achieving success at the Caesars Superdome. This centers on an injury to veteran quarterback Derek Carr late in New Orleans' narrow triumph over the New York Giants.
Commanders might not have to face Derek Carr in Week 15
Carr left the contest in the closing stages. He was evaluated for a concussion and went for X-rays with an arm injury. Ian Rapoport from the NFL Network provided further information, revealing that the signal-caller is dealing with a fractured wrist on his non-throwing hand, placing his status into serious doubt moving forward.
#Saints QB Derek Carr is feared to have suffered a fracture in his left, non-throwing hand, sources tell me and @TomPelissero. Another frustrating injury situation for Carr and New Orleans. pic.twitter.com/6hHDHD3pao
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 8, 2024
With rookie Spencer Rattler also out, the Saints would likely turn to Jake Haener if Carr is unable to participate. The Commanders won't be taking anything for granted, but their chances would improve exponentially if the former Fresno State star was missing.
There's a chance Carr plays through the pain with some sort of protection on the hand fracture. It's a tricky one to figure out until more information becomes available. However, this is something for the Commanders to monitor as they get back into the building this week.
Quinn will take everything into account. The head coach is a meticulous planner who leaves no stone unturned. This will be difficult with or without Carr. It's also set to be stud cornerback Marshon Lattimore's long-awaited Washington debut versus the team that traded him away.
Carr won't want to miss more time, especially considering the Saints haven't been mathematically eliminated from playoff contention. Preparing for every eventuality is vital for the Commanders until official confirmation on the signal-caller's status for Week 15 becomes clearer.
Watch this space...