After a strong Week 1 win, the Commanders stumbled in Week 2 against the Packers, facing injuries and mounting setbacks. Defensive end Deatrich Wise’s second-quarter exit was the first major blow, followed by wide receiver Noah Brown’s unexpected groin injury, which further deepened concerns for Washington’s offense.

Brown’s injury added to the confusion, as it wasn’t visibly linked to any specific play. He was ruled out in the third quarter with a groin issue, yet no clear moment during the game indicated when or how it happened. His limited impact, just one catch on four targets for nine yards, made the sudden announcement even more surprising, especially with no signs of a breakout performance.

To put that in perspective, he had a somewhat better showing in Week 1, catching two passes for 27 yards during Washington’s victory over the New York Giants. However, with the addition of Deebo Samuel from the 49ers in the offseason, Brown’s standing on the depth chart took a hit. Samuel’s presence naturally bumped him further down, turning Brown into more of a supporting piece than a featured target.

So, the Commanders now have to figure out how to redistribute Brown’s snaps, depending on how bad his groin injury is. Most likely, Luke McCaffrey and rookie Jaylin Lane will see more action, potentially pushing Brown even further into the background.

It’s worth noting that outside of an incredible Hail Mary touchdown catch against the Chicago Bears in Week 8 of last season, Brown has remained a quiet presence in Washington’s passing game, rarely making a significant impact.

Injuries made the Commanders’ situation more dire

After a promising start to the season, the Washington Commanders found themselves in a brutal reality check. The Green Bay Packers completely smothered Washington’s offense, cruising to a 27-18 victory. While the Packers racked up a solid 404 total yards, the Commanders barely managed 230. On top of that, injuries piled up, turning the night into a physical war more than a showcase of skill.

Trouble started early for Washington when defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr. was carted off the field in the second quarter with a quad injury. His injury came during an extra-point attempt after Green Bay’s second touchdown, when Packers tackle Anthony Belton fell back onto Wise’s right leg. The scene quickly turned tense as the entire Commanders bench gathered around the 31-year-old veteran while he limped off the field, signaling how serious the situation looked.

Meanwhile, the injury woes didn’t stop there. Veteran running back Austin Ekeler limped off the field with about five and a half minutes left in the fourth quarter, following a non-contact injury. The medical staff quickly rushed to assist him to the sideline, where he hopped toward the bench on one foot. Eventually, Ekeler was carted to the locker room and ruled out with an Achilles injury, another major hit for the struggling offense.

Unfortunately, Washington’s running game never got rolling. Rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Ekeler, and Daniels together managed a meager 51 rushing yards. Now, all eyes turn toward the team’s medical updates, as fans wonder just how long these key players will be sidelined.