Silence fell over the field on Thursday night as Washington Commanders defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr. lay motionless, surrounded by a wall of teammates. Just moments before, he had collapsed during an extra-point attempt, gripping his left leg as emotions surged. By the time he was taken off the field, nearly the entire Washington sideline had gathered around him, a striking image of unity in a tough sport. Later, the worst possible outcome was revealed: a season-ending quad injury, confirmed by sources to Adam Schefter of ESPN. But instead of anger or despair, Wise chose hope.

In an emotional post on Instagram with a carousel of photos of him being taken off the field and his kids on the stands, Wise thanked fans for their prayers and support. He shares a message rooted in faith. “I’m truly grateful for all the love, prayers, and support I’ve received,” he wrote, adding that every challenge carries a lesson and that he’s determined to grow from the setback.

His words carried weight. “When you give so much to the game… it can feel like there’s a lot to play for. When you stop, it can feel like everything around you stops too,” Wise said, before affirming his commitment to becoming “the highest version” of himself.

He believes God will guide him through this journey, stating, “But I know the best healer. God only puts us through what we can handle, and every challenge carries a lesson.” He also pointed out the silver lining. Spending quality time with his family and sons during his recovery.

Wise had started the first two games for Washington after signing a one-year deal this offseason, bringing valuable experience and strength from his eight seasons with the New England Patriots. His absence is a significant blow for a defense already struggling with injuries, especially with running back Austin Ekeler also facing a potential season-ending Achilles tear from the same game.

For now, Deatrich Wise’s season is over. But his message suggests he’s already looking beyond the injury, toward healing, growth, and an eventual return to the game he still clearly loves. Meanwhile, the Commanders are in a really tough situation with their injury list.

Washington Commanders shaken by injuries as Jayden Daniels faces uphill test

Just two weeks into the 2025 season, the Washington Commanders are in a tough spot. Their 27-18 defeat against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field was a tough pill to swallow on the scoreboard and a real blow to their roster depth.

Besides Austin Ekeler and Deatrich Wise Jr., the Commanders were hit with more setbacks. During the extra-point attempt when Deatrich Wise was injured, Anthony Belton fell across his leg. Meanwhile, wide receiver Noah Brown and tight end John Bates both exited with groin injuries and never returned. By halftime, Washington’s offense and defense were being held together by little more than tape and sheer will.

That left quarterback Jayden Daniels to fight an uphill battle, stripped of his playmakers. The Commanders’ attack failed under relentless pressure, their young leader forced into quick throws as the Packers closed off passing lanes. The final score was a bit misleading. Green Bay outgained them 404-230 and averaged nearly three more yards per play. Still, Daniels held his ground.

In his postgame press conference, the 24-year-old remained determined. “We got 10 days until our next game; it’s nothing to dwell about,” Daniels said. “It’s early in the season… I wouldn’t expect anybody in this locker room to hit a panic button.” He admitted the Packers “played better than us” but emphasized moving forward.

Now, Washington sits at an early crossroads. The injuries are severe. The timing is brutal. But if Daniels’ mindset sets the tone, the Commanders aren’t folding. They’ll regroup—and wait to see who’s left standing for Week 3 against the Las Vegas Raiders.