The Washington Commanders are going to be even more short-handed at wide receiver in Week 7.
According to the team, Samuel has been downgraded to out for Sunday due to his bruised heel.
"WR Deebo Samuel Sr. (heel) has been downgraded to OUT. He will not travel with the team to Dallas," the Commanders revealed on Saturday.
Samuel has been dealing with the heel issue for a few weeks now but has been able to play through it. However, he did note that it was "aggravating" and head coach Dan Quinn admitted it was an injury the team would have to manage.
The veteran wide receiver did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday, which was the first sign of trouble, but then he logged a limited session on Friday and that gave hope he would be fine for Sunday.
Clearly, that hope was misguided.
Samuel's absence comes amid the team also missing Terry McLaurin, who is sitting out his fourth straight game with a quad issue. McLaurin looked to be on track to returning after logging a limited session on Wednesday, but he was downgraded Thursday and Friday to a non-participant before being ruled out.
Washington will also be without fellow wideout Noah Brown, who was placed on injured reserve after missing the previous four contests.
With Samuel, McLaurin and Brown all sidelined, quarterback Jayden Daniels will have to rely on receivers such as Chris Moore, Jaylin Lane and Luke McCaffrey.
Washington did not elevate recently-signed Treylon Burks from the practice squad, so he won't be an option.
NFL trade rumors
- Raiders trade rumors reveal Las Vegas may do more than sell
- Eagles trade rumors reveal deadline focus, chances A.J. Brown is dealt
- Steelers get good and bad news with latest Saints, Raiders trade rumors
- Giants trade rumor is bad news for Jaxson Dart
- Lions trade rumor is exactly what fans want to hear