The Washington Commanders fell to 1-4-1 after Monday’s heartbreaking 23-17 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. After trailing 20-3 at halftime, Washington battled back to take the lead in the fourth quarter on a Jeremy McNichols touchdown run, but a penalty nullified it.
The Commanders had two more chances but fell short. It was still an impressive comeback by Washington, on the road against one of the NFL’s remaining unbeaten teams. The Commanders fought back without star wide receiver Terry McLaurin, who tore his left patellar tendon late in the first quarter and will miss the remainder of the season.
So, at 1-4-1 and without their best receiver, it’s pretty much over for the Commanders, right? No. Despite its record, Washington remains firmly in the mix to win the NFC East. The division became the first since the merger in which all four teams failed to win in consecutive weeks. The New York Giants, at 3-2-1, lead the division, while the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys each sit at 2-4. The Commanders have rematches against the Eagles and Giants in Weeks 8 and 10, respectively. Washington has a bye in Week 7.
While the Commanders' slate coming out of their bye initially looked daunting, that's changed recently. The Eagles and Rams, both expected to be Super Bowl contenders, are 2-4. And both are also dealing with serious injuries.
Philadelphia quarterback Jalen Hurts is expected to miss the remainder of the season after doctors discovered multiple blood clots in his lungs. The Eagles have also dealt with an injury to star running back Saquon Barkley and saw future Hall of Fame right tackle Lane Johnson suddenly retire.
Meanwhile, the Rams have underperformed on the field, and now the injuries continue to mount. On Monday, head coach Sean McVay revealed that star wide receiver Davante Adams ruptured his hamstring on Sunday and will miss 6-10 weeks. Starting defensive tackle Kobie Turner, is headed to injured reserve with a groin injury. And nose tackle Poona Ford suffered a triceps injury and is lost for the season.
Remember, the Rams are still waiting for two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett to return after undergoing a procedure on his knee in September.
While things may appear bleak for the Commanders at the moment, they aren't the only team dealing with injuries. Suddenly, those first two games out of the bye week don't look so daunting now.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Rams, Eagles' injuries could present opportunity for Commanders