The Washington Commanders have some injury issues to navigate on offense. Not exactly ideal for a team right on the cusp of postseason football for the first time since 2020, so finding the correct coping mechanisms is crucial.
Scooping up wide receiver K.J. Osborn off the waiver wire could help minimize the loss of Noah Brown. The Commanders also lack a genuine pass-catching presence out of the backfield after Austin Ekeler suffered a serious concussion against the Dallas Cowboys that landed him on injured reserve.
Brian Robinson Jr. is a workhorse running back whose influence in the passing attack is limited. The same goes for Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr. This is depriving rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels of a reliable check-down outlet when things aren't progressing as anticipated further downfield.
It's a little late in the day with three games remaining, but Osborn's arrival proves that won't stop general manager Adam Peters from acquiring reinforcements if he feels like it can benefit the team. One NFL analyst believes the perfect Ekeler stand-in could provide immediate assistance.
Commanders urged to sign Jerick McKinnon for their home stretch
Matt Holder from The Bleacher Report highlighted signing Jerick McKinnon as a move the Commanders need to make right now. He's got proven production as a pass-catching back. His experience within a Super Bowl-winning organization is something else that could assist Washington on the home stretch.
"Austin Ekeler is on injured reserve and said on Dec. 3 that he's still dealing with concussion symptoms. While he could return soon and be ready for the playoffs, it wouldn't be a bad idea to add another veteran pass-catcher out of the backfield. [Jerick] McKinnon has made a career of doing just that, logging nearly 270 catches for 2,050 receiving yards in eight seasons. He also has plenty of playoff experience after winning back-to-back Super Bowls with the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2022 and 2023 campaigns, which enhances his resume as a quality veteran option for Washington."Matt Holder, The Bleacher Report
The former third-round selection hasn't played a competitive down in 2024, which is concerning. McKinnon's influence tailed off with the Kansas City Chiefs last season and he's not gotten an opportunity elsewhere. That means the conditioning issue alone could prevent him from making an instant impact — exactly what the Commanders would be looking for in this scenario.
Putting in a call to see where McKinnon is physically and mentally wouldn't hurt. However, the Commanders could just as easily ride things out with their current running back trio down the stretch. That seems like the most realistic possibility unless there's another health issue to deal with at some stage.
Claiming Osborn — a player who's been competing and practicing all season before his release by the New England Patriots — is a lot different to signing someone like McKinnon off the street. Even if he's been keeping fit, being in football shape is completely different.
That makes this possibility a potential non-starter for Peters. It also puts the onus squarely on offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury's shoulders to find the right solutions in Ekeler's absence.