Injuries have been a significant part of the Washington Commanders' season. They had plenty of good fortune on the health front in 2024 en route to the NFC Championship game. Unfortunately for head coach Dan Quinn, the pendulum has shifted dismally this time around.
Every team deals with injuries. No team has dealt with as many as the Commanders this season. A plethora of players, from fringe assets to franchise cornerstones, have gone down. Some are slowly returning, but several are on the shelf for the rest of 2025, if not longer.
Although it went relatively unnoticed compared to others, a concerning development during Friday's practice threatens to derail the momentum of one summer standout hoping to secure his place in the team's long-term plans.
Ja'Corey Brooks' injury concern could impact his Commanders future
Ja'Corey Brooks was unfortunate not to hear his name called during the 2025 NFL Draft. The Commanders scooped him up quickly in undrafted free agency, giving him $267,667 in guaranteed money to secure his services. He repaid their faith with a fantastic training camp, during which he emerged as a strong contender to make the 53-man roster.
The Commanders didn't bring him on, but Brooks did enough to earn a place on the practice squad. This allowed the wide receiver to continue his development with a view to making another push for involvement during preparations for the 2026 campaign.
This is now in severe jeopardy. John Keim from ESPN reported that Brooks went down with what appeared to be a right leg injury on Friday. The Commanders didn't offer any information to the media after the injury, but it doesn't sound especially promising.
Commanders WR Ja’Corey Brooks left practice with what appeared to be an injury to his right leg.
— John Keim (@john_keim) November 28, 2025
Depending on the issue's severity, it could have huge ramifications on whether Brooks gets another deal with the Commanders this offseason. That was hanging in the balance anyway, so any long-term issue on the injury front doesn't exactly bode well for his hopes.
It's a wait-and-see scenario. The Commanders will provide Brooks with all the help he needs if rehabilitation is required. However, general manager Adam Peters is in no position to be sentimental during his critical third recruitment period wth the franchise.
Brooks' supporters will be hoping for good news. But until something gets confirmed one way or another, his situation instantly becomes more precarious.
Undrafted rookies on practice squads around the league walk the thinnest of tightropes. The slightest setback can have serious consequences, and any prolonged concern with Brooks could see his time in Washington come to an abrupt halt.
That's the cruel nature of this ruthless business.