The Washington Commanders shifted their wide receiver dynamic this offseason. They wanted to improve the weapons around superstar quarterback Jayden Daniels, and it didn't matter who got hurt in the process.
These alterations caught the eye during Washington's opening weekend triumph over the New York Giants. Deebo Samuel Sr., in particular, emerged as a real positive from the clash. But it wasn't good news for everybody.
And the Commanders made their feelings known about Luke McCaffrey's development in no uncertain terms.
Commanders made Luke McCaffrey an offensive afterthought in Week 1
McCaffrey got plenty of reps last season, but targets were at a premium. There were flashes of promise over training camp, but his almost anonymous contribution throughout Washington's preseason slate raised alarm bells. The No. 100 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft made the 53-man roster, but Week 1 proved just how far down the pecking order he is.
Kliff Kingsbury allocated just five offensive snaps in McCaffrey's direction at Northwest Stadium in Week 1. Unsurprisingly, he wasn't targeted. The former Rice standout did bring his only kick return back for 36 yards, but that's about it.
Considering the lowest number of snaps McCaffrey received in the regular season as a rookie was nine against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 15, this is deeply concerning.
Chris Moore, who was elevated from the practice squad before the clash, got 19 snaps and made an impressive catch downfield. Fourth-round rookie Jaylin Lane got 21 snaps and was targeted twice, bringing in one catch for 11 receiving yards. With Terry McLaurin, Samuel, and Noah Brown firmly cemented as the starting trio, it looks like a long road ahead for McCaffrey to firmly establish himself.
If the Commanders sign free-agent Kendrick Bourne or another veteran wide receiver in the coming weeks, that could push him down the depth chart even more. McCaffrey has some useful athleticism and can make things happen with the football in his hands. Unfortunately, this franchise cannot afford to wait around with a bold playoff bid expected in the second season under head coach Dan Quinn.
Perhaps McCaffrey might be more involved when the matchups become favorable. There's also a chance he'll stay on the fringes unless injury strikes. It's a precarious situation that could go either way, but this represented the clearest indicator yet of how his overall performance over the summer was perceived.
The stakes have been raised for McCaffrey. How he responds could determine his long-term outlook in Washington.