Commanders report encouraging injury updates, add Steve Wilks to staff
Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn told reporters on Oct. 26, 2026 that several players will begin working back toward practice as the team returns from its bye week and starts preparations for Sunday Night Football against the Philadelphia Eagles. Quinn said wide receiver Treylon Burks, quarterback Marcus Mariota and defensive end Charles Omenihu will work their way back to practice starting the week. He added that defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw has not progressed as hoped and will require more time in his recovery.
Quinn described the bye as a “much-needed reset” and said the team conducted a self-scout to address problems that contributed to its 1-4-1 start. His primary emphasis is getting the roster to play consistently for four quarters after the Commanders have shown lapses late in games. Quinn said he saw energy and optimism from players as they prepared to resume work.
The Commanders also added veteran coach Steve Wilks to assist with defensive game planning, Quinn said. Quinn explained that Wilks will coach early in the week while he continues to fulfill other responsibilities later in the week, and that defensive coordinator Daronte Jones and he had discussed the addition since training camp. Quinn called Wilks a good football coach and said the arrangement made sense for the team as it approaches game preparation.
Quinn noted it was “awesome” to see safety Trey Amos back on the field against the San Francisco 49ers after a long stretch of injuries, and said Amos made a larger impact than expected despite limited practice time. The coach expressed strong belief in the roster, pointing to practice habits and the fact that the team has been competitive in games. Quinn said that when the Commanders put together full four-quarter performances, the team will show what it is made of.
Quinn added that top receiver Stefon Diggs is doing well and that Diggs is not expected to carry an increased workload despite wide receiver Terry McLaurin being out for the season. Instead, Quinn said other players will take on more responsibility in McLaurin’s absence and singled out rookie Antonio Williams as a candidate to receive more targets. The comments came as the Commanders begin game planning for a prime-time matchup with the Eagles.
NFL Sports Blog Take
Dan Quinn returned from the bye with mostly positive short-term health updates and a strategic addition to the defensive staff, which provides a clearer path forward as the Commanders face a stiff stretch of opponents. The immediate availability of Burks, Mariota and Omenihu for practice could bolster both sides of the ball if their recoveries progress as Quinn described. Adding Steve Wilks to help with early-week game planning gives the defense an extra voice without disrupting Wilks’ other commitments. With Terry McLaurin out for the season, the distribution of targets will be an important storyline, and Quinn has already signaled that the team will look to expand opportunities for younger players such as Antonio Williams. The Commanders’ stated focus on consistent, four-quarter execution will be the key measure of whether these changes translate into better results on the field.