The Washington Commanders have touched down in Madrid, Spain, embarking on a transatlantic journey they hope will be the catalyst to turn around a season marred by injuries, suspensions, and a string of disheartening blowout losses. After traveling nearly 3,600 miles from the D.C. metro area, the team is settling into its temporary home, making use of Real Madrid City and the European League of Football’s Madrid Bravos facilities as they prepare for a Sunday showdown against the Miami Dolphins.
Coach Dan Quinn, who this week assumed defensive coordinator duties in addition to his head coaching role, is banking on this extended time away from home to foster team unity and restore a sense of normalcy. “I think the time together is the biggest thing,” Quinn said Wednesday at Real Madrid City, the iconic training ground usually reserved for soccer royalty. “In the evenings, we’re watching the film together, we’re doing all of our film together and not splitting as much in groups. So sometimes the tightest, smallest meeting rooms are the best, because everybody’s hearing the same words the same way.”
The Commanders’ trip comes at a pivotal moment. The team is reeling from back-to-back disastrous defeats and a mounting list of unavailable starters. The latest blow came with the suspension of star defensive tackle Daron Payne, who was ejected for striking Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and subsequently lost his appeal for a one-game ban. Payne’s absence is just one of several, as the defense is now missing six starters, including cornerback Trey Amos, who suffered a season-ending fractured fibula against the Lions.
Offensively, things aren’t much brighter. Starting quarterback Jayden Daniels and running back Austin Ekeler remain sidelined, and the receiving corps has been decimated. Terry McLaurin, the Commanders’ top wideout, has been out since aggravating a quad/hip flexor injury in Week 8. It’s the first long-term injury of McLaurin’s professional career, coming on the heels of a contract extension that signaled his importance to the franchise. After just three games this season, he was forced to the sidelines, and his absence has been sorely felt.
Yet, there’s a glimmer of hope. As of November 12, McLaurin is with the team in Spain, ramping up his recovery. For the first time in weeks, he’s participating in movement and on-field rehab portions. Head coach Dan Quinn offered a cautiously optimistic update: “He’s here. So he’ll do some of the movement and the on-field portions of the rehab. The first couple of weeks, he was not able to do that. That’ll take the build-up time to do that, but we’re glad he’s here, taking the next step. Sometimes these injuries take longer than you want, and they’re not predictable to say it’s going to be this set time. We’re just going to continue with the next step, and this is a good sign that we can take the next steps.”
Fans have heard positive news about McLaurin before, only to see setbacks. Still, the fact that he’s able to do things he couldn’t a fortnight ago is encouraging. The Commanders are taking a measured approach, giving McLaurin ample rest during the bye week before making any decisions about his return. If his progress continues, there’s a chance he could feature in Week 13 or later, but the team is adamant about not rushing him back with little left to play for this season but pride.
McLaurin isn’t the only injured player making strides. Wide receiver Noah Brown, out since Week 2 with a groin injury, was also on the field in Madrid, participating in stretches and working individually with an athletic trainer. Safety Will Harris, who fractured his fibula in Week 3, has had his 21-day practice window opened and was back on the field as well. The Commanders must decide within that window whether to activate Harris or keep him on injured reserve for the rest of the year.
Brown’s return to light practice is significant, as the team has been desperately thin at the receiver position. His presence, along with McLaurin’s potential return, could inject some much-needed life into the offense. Meanwhile, running back Chris Rodriguez, who left the Lions game with a shoulder injury, is expected to play this week, providing a boost to the backfield in Ekeler’s absence.
The Commanders’ struggles have not been limited to injuries. Discipline issues have plagued the team, most notably during Sunday’s lopsided loss to the Lions. In addition to Payne’s ejection, defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw was penalized for making contact with an official, further highlighting the team’s frustration during a difficult stretch. Quinn addressed these concerns with his players, emphasizing the need for self-discipline and composure, especially as the losses pile up.
With Payne suspended, second-year defensive tackle Johnny Newton will see increased playing time inside. Newton had previously been used at defensive end due to the rash of injuries at that position. The defensive shake-up doesn’t stop there. Quinn’s decision to take over playcalling from defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. marks a major shift in the coaching staff’s approach. “I think whenever you have a move like that, it means that the players are not executing at a level they need to be,” linebacker Bobby Wagner commented. “So, we just got to be better. We’ve got to perform better.”
Quinn will lean on Senior VP of Football Initiatives Dave Gardi and Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Pass Game Coordinator Brian Johnson as he juggles his expanded responsibilities. The hope is that a more hands-on approach from the head coach will spark improved communication and execution on the field.
Life in Madrid is offering the Commanders a chance to bond in new ways. Guard Sam Cosmi, adjusting to the six-hour time difference, admitted to seeking out local food recommendations on TikTok after waking up hungry at 5 a.m. The lighter moments are a welcome reprieve from the intensity of NFL life, and Quinn is counting on the camaraderie built during this trip to translate to better on-field results.
As the Commanders prepare for Sunday’s contest against the Dolphins—a team with an identical 3-7 record but coming off a big win over the Bills—the stakes are less about playoff implications and more about pride, development, and testing the resilience of a battered roster. The week in Spain is about more than football; it’s about rediscovering the identity and cohesion that have been missing during a tumultuous season.
Whether the Commanders can capitalize on this unique opportunity remains to be seen. But as the team wraps up a week of hard work, reflection, and recovery under the Spanish sun, there’s a sense that the next chapter could look a little brighter—if only they can stay healthy and connected long enough to write it.
