-
John Keim, ESPN Staff Writer
ASHBURN, Va. – Washington Commanders receiver Noah Brown likely will miss the rest of the season after suffering a “significant internal injury” in Week 13, coach Dan Quinn said.
Brown — who made headlines this season when he caught a 52-yard Hail Mary touchdown pass from Jayden Daniels in the closing seconds to beat the Chicago Bears 18-15 on Oct. 27 — exited the Commanders’ 42-19 win over Tennessee on Dec. 1 with a rib injury. He has not yet been placed on injured reserve but Quinn said “it’s likely heading that way.”
“That one hurts,” Quinn said of losing the eighth-year receiver.
The Commanders (8-5) currently have the seventh seed in the playoff race heading into Sunday’s game at New Orleans (5-8).
The one bit of good news for Washington involved corner Marshon Lattimore, who has missed his last five games – four with the Commanders — because of a hamstring injury. But Quinn said Lattimore was expected to fully practice Wednesday, meaning he’s trending toward making his debut with Washington against the team that traded him on Nov. 5.
As for Brown, he was second among Washington’s receivers – and third overall — with 35 receptions, eight shy of his career-high. He ranked second behind receiver Terry McLaurin averaging 12.9 yards per reception.
Washington signed Brown on Aug. 28 and he helped solidify a receiving corps in need of a consistent second option opposite McLaurin. Brown also helped with his blocking on the outside, leading to key runs by the backs.
“We loved him and his play style,” Quinn said. “Absolutely one of our glue guys.”
Without Brown, Washington will use a variety of receivers. Dyami Brown has replaced Brown in two other games this season and has a career-best 20 receptions. Washington also has rookie receiver Luke McCaffrey and veteran Olamide Zaccheaus, who has caught 27 passes this season.
Before the season Quinn often said the role of the No. 2 receiver would be shared by many. That’s likely how it will go over the final four regular season games – and playoffs, if Washington qualifies.
“We’ve got a pretty deep crew,” Quinn said. “Guys can play in different spots. But Noah does have specific size and speed traits that are unique to him. He’s such a tough, hard-ass competitor so I love that he brings that to the team. It’s definitely a tough one for us.”