Deebo Samuel injury update: Positive news for Commanders WR despite questionable tag
The Washington Commanders have labeled wide receiver Deebo Samuel as questionable for the Week 6 game against the Chicago Bears.
Samuel (heel) started off the week as a non-participant in practice, but then turned in a limited session on Friday before being held out on Saturday and drawing the questionable tag on the final injury report of the week.
After practice, head coach Dan Quinn said Samuel wasn't certain to play as he deals with a bruised heel, something Quinn admitted the team is trying to help Samuel manage.
"As for Deebo Samuel's status, TBD," beat reporter Ben Standig wrote. "Dan Quinn said the team is helping Deebo 'manage' his bruised heel. Doesn't see this being a season-long issue, but enough of one for the coach not to say the WR is 100% in for MNF."
However, Zach Selby of Commanders.com revealed that Samuel will indeed suit up on Monday night. Here's the latest.
Deebo Samuel injury update
On Saturday afternoon, Selby wrote that Samuel "will play" in Week 6:
McLaurin's absence means the Commanders will need their other options at receiver to step up once again. The Commanders have been fortunate in that regard, as the likes of Luke McCaffrey, who caught a 50-yard pass from Jayden Daniels against the Los Angeles Chargers, and Deebo Samuel, who was on the injury report but will play Monday, have performed well in their expanded role. Samuel has emerged as the team's go-to option in the passing game, ranking ninth among all receivers in receptions, with 300 yards and four total touchdowns.
This is huge news for the Commanders, who have ruled out fellow wide receivers Terry McLaurin and Noah Brown for the contest versus Chicago.
Samuel has operated as the Commanders' clear No. 1 wide receiver with McLaurin out. Through five games, Samuel leads the team with 300 receiving yards, and he has also contributed in the run game with seven carries for 46 yards.
We would still keep an eye out for Washington's inactives list, which will drop an hour and a half before 8:15 p.m. kickoff on Monday night, but for now it looks as though Samuel will go.
Caleb Williams Responds to Jayden Daniels' Challenge: "It's About Performance, Not Words"
October 12, 2025 — In the high-stakes world of the NFL, young quarterbacks are often compared, scrutinized, and celebrated, but few rivalries have sparked as much intrigue as the one brewing between Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams and Washington Commanders' Jayden Daniels. With both quarterbacks emerging as the future faces of their respective teams, their upcoming meeting on the field is quickly becoming one of the most anticipated matchups of the season.
Earlier this week, Daniels made headlines with strong words directed at Williams, stating, “Respect is earned, not given,” and indicating that he wasn’t willing to let anyone, including Williams, overshadow him. But Williams, not one to back down from a challenge, responded in kind — and his message is clear: "It's about performance, not words."
In an exclusive interview ahead of their Week 7 matchup, Williams addressed Daniels’ comments, saying, “Jayden wants to talk about respect? He’s going to have to earn it just like everyone else. I’m ready for the challenge, and when we meet on that field, I’ll show him exactly what that means. This isn’t about words—it’s about performance.”
A Rivalry in the Making
The rivalry between Williams and Daniels has been growing ever since both players entered the league. As two of the most highly touted quarterbacks of the 2025 draft class, the expectations surrounding their careers have been enormous. Williams, coming off a standout college career at USC, was drafted by the Bears with the hope that he could be the franchise's savior. Daniels, on the other hand, has quickly established himself as a rising star with the Commanders, showing poise, accuracy, and leadership on the field.
Williams’ response to Daniels' comments is emblematic of the competitive spirit that has defined his career thus far. Despite being only in his second season, Williams has already proven to be an electric playmaker for the Bears. His ability to move the offense with both his arm and his legs has made him a dynamic threat. However, Daniels’ comments have sparked a new level of intensity, signaling that their rivalry will not just be about their teams but about who can become the true face of the league's new generation of quarterbacks.
The Stakes Are High
For Williams, the game against the Commanders is more than just another chance to secure a win for the Bears. It’s an opportunity to assert his dominance in the growing rivalry with Daniels. Williams has proven time and time again that he’s not afraid to take on challenges, and this game will be no different.
"At the end of the day, it's about winning," Williams said. "I’m not here for the back-and-forth. When the whistle blows, it’s all about who can lead their team to victory. I’ll do my talking on the field."
For Daniels, this game is equally important. As a player who prides himself on his calm demeanor and leadership, Daniels knows that this will be a chance to show that his words are backed by actions. His early success with the Commanders has earned him respect, but a win over a high-profile player like Williams could solidify his status as one of the league’s premier young quarterbacks.
What to Expect on the Field
When these two quarterbacks face off, the game will be as much about their personal rivalry as it is about the team’s success. Both players have shown the ability to handle the pressure of leading their respective teams, and this matchup will likely come down to which quarterback can manage the game better in critical moments.
For the Bears, Williams' ability to break down defenses and make plays will be key. For the Commanders, Daniels’ poise and accuracy, especially in high-pressure situations, will be critical. Expect both teams to lean heavily on their young quarterbacks, making this a must-watch matchup for NFL fans.
Conclusion
As the battle between Jayden Daniels and Caleb Williams heats up, all eyes will be on the field when the Commanders and Bears face off. With so much on the line for both teams and their young quarterbacks, this rivalry is only just beginning. Whether it’s Daniels proving his point or Williams showing that he’s the future of the Bears, this game promises to be an exciting and defining moment in the careers of both quarterbacks.
