Commanders secure quick coping mechanism after concerning Noah Brown injury

The Washington Commanders are looking to win enough games following the bye week to get them into the playoffs. They'll have to do it without wide receiver Noah Brown.

After leaving the Commanders' Week 13 game against the Tennessee Titans with a rib injury, head coach Dan Quinn provided further clarity on the wide receiver's issue. Unfortunately for everyone associated with the franchise, it confirmed their worst fears.

Quinn revealed that Brown would be on the shelf for several weeks — potentially the entire campaign. This is the result of a serious internal complication that needs considerable time to heal.

This removes another productive weapon from Washington's offense at the worst possible time. Brown emerged quickly into a core piece of the offensive puzzle after joining shortly before the campaign. He's suffered problems with drops on occasion, but not having him for the stretch run is going to be sorely felt.

Commanders add coping mechanism after Noah Brown blow

The Commanders must find solutions to these developing issues. However, things could have been a lot worse had Washington's medical staff not intervened quickly to diagnose the problem and respond accordingly based on Quinn's comments.

"During the game, between him and the medical staff, they did a really good job to address what was a serious injury. Fortunately, he’s going to be okay. But it’s going to knock him out for a bit."

- Dan Quinn

Brown is out of contract next spring and might not return next season. Nobody is worrying about that now. The most important thing is ensuring the former seventh-round pick gets healthy and is ready to make a lasting contribution — be it in Washington or elsewhere — during the 2025 campaign.

With running back Austin Ekeler also on the shelf with a serious concussion sustained versus the Dallas Cowboys, the Commanders are without two experienced performers capable of coming up with the goods in big moments.

The Commanders filled the void with conviction, claiming wide receiver K.J. Osborn off waivers following his surprising release by the New England Patriots. He's got some solid production under his belt — especially during his stint with the Minnesota Vikings. But the wideout is about to get a crash course in Kingsbury's schematic concepts in the coming days.

Brown's received 56 targets in 11 games from rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels this season. He's brought in 35 receptions for 453 receiving yards and one remarkable Hail Mary touchdown catch that will go down in Washington folklore. The Ohio State product is also drawing among the league's most defensive pass interference penalties to further enhance his influence.

The Commanders need to roll with the punches. This is not the time to panic. They need to implement a contingency plan and execute it effectively.

They're hoping that's exactly what Osborn will become.

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