Washington Commanders wide receiver Noah Brown is expected to miss the remainder of the season after suffering a “significant internal injury” during Week 13, according to head coach Dan Quinn.
Brown, who made headlines earlier this season with a dramatic 52-yard Hail Mary touchdown reception from Jayden Daniels to defeat the Chicago Bears 18-15 on October 27, was initially thought to have sustained a rib injury during the Commanders’ 42-19 victory over Tennessee on December 1. However, additional tests revealed the injury was to his kidney. While Brown has not yet been placed on injured reserve, Quinn indicated that it’s “likely” to happen soon.
“It’s a tough loss,” Quinn commented on losing the eighth-year receiver.
At 8-5, the Commanders currently hold the seventh spot in the playoff standings as they prepare for Sunday’s matchup against New Orleans (5-8).
In a bit of positive news for Washington, cornerback Marshon Lattimore, who has missed the past five games—four of which were with the Commanders—due to a hamstring injury, fully participated in practice on Wednesday, signaling that he may be ready to play against his former team, the one that traded him on November 5.
As for Brown, he ranked third among Washington’s receivers with 35 catches, just eight shy of his career-high. His average of 12.9 yards per reception was second only to Terry McLaurin.
Brown was signed by Washington on August 28 to help strengthen a receiving corps in need of a consistent second option alongside McLaurin. In addition to his receiving role, Brown contributed as a blocker, helping to open up lanes for the running backs.
“We loved his play style,” Quinn said. “He was absolutely one of our glue guys.”
Later on Wednesday, the Commanders announced they had claimed wide receiver K.J. Osborn off waivers from the Patriots.
With Brown sidelined, Washington will likely rotate multiple receivers in his place. Dyami Brown, who has filled in for Noah Brown in two games this season, is enjoying a career-high 20 receptions. The team also has rookie Luke McCaffrey and veteran Olamide Zaccheaus, who has caught 27 passes this season.
“He’s an impactful player,” Daniels said of Brown. “[But] I’m confident those guys will step up and make plays.”
Before the season began, Quinn often stated that the role of the No. 2 receiver would be shared among several players. This is expected to continue during the final four regular-season games—and potentially the playoffs, should Washington make it.
“We’ve got a pretty deep group,” Quinn said. “Guys can play different roles, but Noah brought a unique combination of size and speed. His toughness and competitive spirit were invaluable. It’s definitely a tough loss for us.”