Treylon Burks just cannot catch a break. Just when the wide receiver looked like he was gaining real momentum and the Washington Commanders were ready to give him an extended run in a prominent role, another cruel setback has emerged.
Burks led the Commanders in receiving yards during their Sunday Night Football win over the Philadelphia Eagles. He is the only legitimate downfield threat without Terry McLaurin, and the trust with quarterback Jayden Daniels is growing.
The 2022 first-round pick has been playing through the pain, unwilling to waste the opportunity in front of him.
Treylon Burks' foot injury comes at a bad time for the Commanders
But now, it's proven too much to overcome.
Burks was nowhere to be seen in practice this week as he dealt with a foot injury. That is never a good sign, and he will could now miss Washington's crucial Week 9 contest against the Los Angeles Rams at Northwest Stadium.
This would be a body blow to the player and the Commanders.
Unfortunately, this has been a concerning trend throughout Burks' rollercoaster career.
There is no denying Burks' physical attributes. He's got the size and athleticism to be highly productive, but injury problems continue to hold him back.
They were the primary reason why he never really took off with the Tennessee Titans, and they eventually gave up on their costly experiment. The Commanders gave him a lifeline, and Burks has flashed immense promise whenever his number is called.
With McLaurin out, the Commanders needed more from Burks. He delivered on prime time, but he might not get the opportunity to build on this newfound success this weekend.
Commanders would be razor-thin at receiver with the Rams coming to town
And with Dyami Brown also reportedly suffering an injury during Thursday's practice, which general manager Adam Peters said didn't look good, the Commanders' receiver depth is being stretched to its limit.
Whether this provokes Peters into drastic measures before the 2026 trade deadline is debatable.
But hopefully, this is nothing more than a short-term issue for Burks.
If Burks didn't have bad luck, he wouldn't have any luck. It's been one frustrating problem after another, denying him the chance to showcase what he's truly capable of over a consistent period.
Playing hurt is admirable from Burks. He recognized his growing importance to the team and wanted to help however he could. But this only lasts for so long.
The Commanders are right to take things cautiously with Burks, especially if they believe he has a future with the club beyond 2026. Keeping him out there with an injured foot is a recipe for disaster, and he could have long-term effects on his ability to be productive.
Burks probably won't like it, but it is what it is at this point.
If Burks misses the game, it does nothing to improve Washington's chances of causing a significant upset this weekend.
Daniels' firepower is depleted, to put it mildly. McLaurin, Burks, and Brown are out. Stefon Diggs, Antonio Williams, and tight end Chig Okonkwo will be asked to do more. This might also open things up for Luke McCaffrey, and Van Jefferson Jr. could get more looks.
Not ideal, of course. But the Commanders will just have to make the best of a bad situation.
As for Burks? He'll be aiming to get to full health as soon as possible.
And if anyone deserves a little bit of good fortune from here, it's him.
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