Terry McLaurin's season-ending injury sent shockwaves through the Washington Commanders.
The wide receiver is their best pass-catcher and a supreme leadership presence in the locker room. Losing McLaurin is a bitter blow, but head coach Dan Quinn's squad has to make the best of a bad situation.
Stefon Diggs will be key moving forward. And the veteran wideout must deliver with more responsibilities on his shoulders.
Commanders must get more from Stefon Diggs after Terry McLaurin's injury
The Commanders eventually granted Diggs his homecoming wish this offseason. It was long overdue, but the Maryland product slotted in seamlessly. Any doubts about his off-field behavior were eradicated quickly, and he's been productive when opportunities come his way.
This is encouraging. But with McLaurin no longer able to contribute, Diggs has to take over the WR1 mantle and excel.
Otherwise, the Commanders will have a big problem on their hands.
It probably isn't what Diggs envisioned upon joining the Commanders. He wanted to complement McLaurin, working the first and second levels of the field to help quarterback Jayden Daniels move the chains. He's occupied that role well in recent years, but Washington may demand more now.
At his peak, Diggs was an elite WR1. He was an every-snap player who could turn any game on its head when he wanted to.
Stefon Diggs has to take on Commanders WR1 role without Terry McLaurin
Injuries have taken some dynamism away from the pass-catcher. Even so, he still knows how to get open and make plays in crucial moments.
The Commanders need all that and more without McLaurin.
Diggs is playing just 60 percent of snaps this season. He hasn't gained more than 55 receiving yards in any one game, and he's been dealing with a hamstring issue. But he's been a definite positive amid the Commanders' constant misery.
Now, he must turn things up a notch.
McLaurin is no longer around. Third-round rookie Antonio Williams and Treylon Burks could produce more if they get additional targets. Tight end Chig Okonkwo has also shown signs of life after a difficult start.
But this passing attack will now run through Diggs.
His reps will still be managed carefully. Diggs is not getting any younger, and burning him out with 11 games left wouldn't be smart.
Commanders' passing attack should now run through Stefon Diggs, and he must deliver
At the same time, desperate times call for desperate measures. And Diggs' competitiveness will almost demand a No. 1 role with McLaurin on the shelf.
Opposing defenses won't miss it, either.
Diggs will once again draw the attention of the league's best cornerbacks. They know Williams, Burks, and others are less consistent, so taking away the four-time Pro Bowler will help their chances. That makes it harder, so offensive coordinator David Blough will need to scheme effectively.
The veteran can make things happen. Diggs' accomplished record throughout a glittering career speaks for itself, and he has the flair for the big occasion.
Expecting him to become the All-Pro performer of old. But with McLaurin unavailable, the Commanders have no choice but to give Diggs all the targets he can handle.
McLaurin's serious injury is a massive loss both on and off the field. His influence is impossible to replace, and if this ends up being his final act in Washington, he deserved much better.
But as one door closes, another opens. And this could be Diggs' chance to announce himself to the league again.
Let's hope he can still deliver.
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