Sunday’s NFC East matchup between the Washington Commanders and New York Giants may not carry heavy stakes, but it does feature plenty of urgency. Both franchises enter the Week 15 game after long losing streaks that have defined their year.
Washington comes into the contest at 3-10, while New York sits at 2-11 at the bottom of the division. With both fan bases searching for signs of progress, any positive development carries extra weight.
One of those developments came late Saturday night in the form of encouraging injury news. ESPN insider Adam Schefter reported optimism surrounding Washington’s top wide receiver.
“Commanders WR Deebo Samuel, listed as questionable for Sunday due to an illness, is expected to play vs. the Giants, per source,” Schefter posted on X, formerly Twitter.
Samuel had been listed as questionable after missing time during the week because of the illness, creating uncertainty around his availability; however he is now expected to give it a go.
If Samuel is active, it would be a huge boost for a Washington offense that has struggled to find consistency. He has been one of the Commanders’ most reliable playmakers this season, leading the team with 62 receptions and scoring five touchdowns. In an otherwise difficult year, Samuel has consistently produced when healthy.
Washington has not enjoyed the same stability elsewhere in its receiving corps. Terry McLaurin, the team’s other top target, has appeared in just seven games this season due to injuries, limiting the offense’s ability to stretch defenses and sustain drives.
The Giants will host the Commanders on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET, with both teams desperate to snap their losing streaks, and while the standings may not change much, Samuel’s expected return gives Washington a chance to end its skid and build momentum heading into the season’s final weeks.
