Hogs Haven
Washington Post (paywall)
Washington has two games left. Just getting through them would be a success at this point.
[T]he coaching staff and front office believe the final stretch holds value as they evaluate the roster for 2026. For them to do so, however, they need players to be available. As has been the case for most of the season, that has been an issue.
The hits kept coming against the Eagles. Wide receiver Jaylin Lane was knocked out of the game in the first quarter with an ankle injury. Quarterback Marcus Mariota, who was subbing for the injured Jayden Daniels, suffered right hand and quadriceps injuries in the third quarter and didn’t finish the game. Left tackle Brandon Coleman, who was subbing for the injured Laremy Tunsil, went down in the fourth quarter with a shin injury. Right guard Sam Cosmi and defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton were pulled late to be evaluated for concussions.
Quinn provided a slew of injury updates Sunday. He said Lane is doubtful for Thursday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys. He revealed that Mariota’s hand injury required stitches and described his status as “day-to-day.” Tunsil’s status is the same. Quinn is optimistic Coleman will be able to return to action in case Tunsil can’t go. While Newton was cleared, Cosmi is in the concussion protocol.
At some point, the “next man up” rallying cry provides no hope.
Whatever path forward they choose, the Commanders need stronger quarterback play than what they got Saturday. Otherwise, it may be difficult to analyze the performance of just about anyone on offense.
The Athletic (paywall)
Coach Dan Quinn said Mariota is considered day-to-day in his recovery, but the team has a quick turnaround before hosting the Dallas Cowboys on Christmas Day, leaving little time for recovery and to determine a contingency plan if needed. Quinn said he planned to discuss the team’s options at quarterback with general manager Adam Peters later Sunday.
Quinn said the Commanders will not consider turning to Daniels if Mariota is unable to go on Thursday or in the season finale at Philadelphia on Jan. 4. Their options are to start Johnson and elevate or sign Hartman from the practice squad to be his backup, or to sign an outside quarterback to be active on a moment’s notice.
Washington Post (paywall)
Hail: Treylon Burks
The Commanders wide receiver, who made one of the best catches of the season in a loss to the Denver Broncos last month, made another dazzling grab Saturday. On Washington’s first play from scrimmage in the second half, he stretched to make a catch on a bullet over the middle from Mariota for a 24-yard gain. Burks finished with two receptions for 30 yards and had a 16-yard catch...
