The Washington Commanders are getting ready to welcome back some key figures who've been on long-term absences. Their bye week allowed them to heal, and head coach Dan Quinn could use any help he can get right now with his team at 3-8 and staring down the barrel of a lost campaign.
One of those is Noah Brown. The wide receiver hasn't been seen since Week 2 with groin and knee problems. The Commanders gave him the chance to return sooner than expected, but when the expected progress during his rehabilitation didn't materialize, the former Ohio State star went to injured reserve.
Brown is back at practice. Barring any late setback, the wideout should be activated for Washington's prime-time game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday Night Football. With Terry McLaurin and Treylon Burks also set to play, veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota will have an enhanced supporting cast against one of the league's most formidable defenses.
Commanders cannot count on Noah Brown beyond the 2025 season
The Commanders have no choice other than to get Brown involved. They are crying out for consistency, and he's earned the trust of Washington's coaching staff. Even so, it won't be much longer before those in power must come to a harsh realization.
Playing Brown will suffice for now. However, the Commanders cannot depend upon him beyond the current campaign.
Health problems have made Brown unavailable more often than not over the last year. This concerning trend means he cannot be trusted to stay on the field for a prolonged period. That might sound harsh, but the NFL is a ruthless business, and general manager Adam Peters won't hesitate to make the necessary changes to get this franchise back on the right path to prosperity.
Brown's reps cannot come at Burks's expense, either. He's younger, faster, with more long-term upside. The Commanders scooped him up quickly after his release by the Tennessee Titans, and his brief flashes suggest there is something to work with. Getting him more involved to determine this for sure cannot be understated. It might not pay off, but they have to give him a legitimate shot.
What that means for Brown's future beyond the current campaign is anyone's guess. It would be shocking if he got another reprieve, but if he's willing to accept a team-friendly, prove-it deal, the 2017 seventh-round pick could get the opportunity to fight for his place. At the same time, it wouldn't be the biggest shock in the world to see Washington cut the cord entirely.
Brown is a good player. But the trajectory is no longer pointing up. The sooner Washington realizes that, the better.