Jayden Daniels won't have either of his top targets on Sunday.
Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel (heel) has been downgraded to out for Week 7's road matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported. Washington has since announced the news.
Samuel will join Terry McLaurin (quad; out) on the sideline as Daniels looks to prevent a losing streak following last week's defeat to the Bears. The veteran WR managed to play in the loss despite coming into it questionable, producing only four receptions for 15 yards.
Samuel missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday this week before returning in limited fashion on Friday, leading to his initial questionable designation on the injury report. The Commanders will allow Samuel, who leads the team in receptions (34), receiving yards (315) and touchdowns (three) through six games, to heal that heel on Sunday ahead of a Monday night date with the Chiefs in Week 8.
Daniels will now enter Sunday having to rely on Luke McCaffrey, Chris Moore, rookie Jaylin Lane and Robbie Chosen at receiver. McCaffrey is the top producer of the thinned-out bunch with eight receptions for 179 yards and three TDs.
Zach Ertz could see more targets as a result of Deebo's absence. The veteran tight end has built a great rapport with Daniels since the quarterback's breakout rookie season. Ertz is second behind Samuel in receptions (20) and receiving yards (192) while also producing three scores.
The Commanders would like to avoid a shootout with Cowboys' fruitful offense, however, which could be achieved with a bend-but-don't-break defense and a consistent running attack powered by rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt.
Washington is scheduled to kickoff against its biggest rival in Dallas on Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET.
