With wide receiver Terry McLaurin out for the season with a torn patellar tendon, the Washington Commanders can't afford more injury problems. But fortunately, the bye week seems to have come at a good time for Treylon Burks.
Head coach Dan Quinn confirmed that Burks will return to practice after leaving the game early against the San Francisco 49ers. The former Arkansas standout will be monitored closely throughout the week, but all signs point to him featuring against the Philadelphia Eagles at Northwest Stadium.
And if everything checks out on the health front, Burks could be in line for a substantial role.
Treylon Burks must seize his chance to secure Commanders future
McLaurin leaves a gaping hole that someone must fill. Quinn didn't envision an expanded role for four-time Pro Bowl wideout Stefon Diggs, given his age and the need to keep him fresh. That puts Burks and third-round rookie Antonio Williams under the microscope, and they must deliver.
Williams has the long-term upside, but one cannot ignore Burks' potential role in Washington's offensive strategy from here on.
It's been a rocky career for the 202 first-round pick so far. Burks' time with the Tennessee Titans fell flat, and injuries eventually led the AFC South club to cut the experiment short.
The Commanders gave him a chance, and they re-signed him after some impressive flashes down the stretch last season. After a slow start this time around, the pass-catcher is starting to find some form as a downfield threat who can cause problems with the football in his hands.
Washington has resisted the temptation to find outside help amid McLaurin's injury. This shows confidence in the options available, but general manager Adam Peters still has time to rethink his approach if that faith isn't repaid.
Simply put, Burks will never get a better chance to cement a long-term future in Washington.
Treylon Burks has all the tools to make a bigger impact for the Commanders
He's always had the physical tools to be much more impactful. Consistency remains his biggest issue, because the athletic traits are all there. Offensive coordinator David Blough believes in him, and Burks is confident he can thrive with more involvement.
And without McLaurin to lean on, the Commanders desperately need someone to step up.
There were encouraging signs against the Niners on Monday Night Football. Burks came to the fore after McLaurin left the game, catching four passes on six targets for 66 receiving yards. This was a good start, and if he can sustain or perhaps even increase this productivity, it's all systems go.
Burks cannot do it alone, but he can help.
McLaurin is almost irreplaceable. His influence on and off the field is immeasurable, and it will take a collective effort to cope with such a great loss.
Diggs and Williams can make plays. Tight end Chig Okonkwo's role is growing, and this trend will continue. The rushing attack must do more, and the Commanders always have a chance with star quarterback Jayden Daniels under center.
But for Burks, he simply cannot waste the opportunity in front of him.
It's now or never. How he performs will go a long way toward determining his future in Washington beyond 2026.
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