The Washington Commanders head into a crucial Week 5 matchup against the New York Giants, and they might be without wide receiver Terry McLaurin for the second straight week.

That puts Washington’s passing attack in a tough spot, even with quarterback Jayden Daniels returning to the lineup.

Per ESPN’s Mike Garofalo, McLaurin is a true game-time decision. If he does suit up against the Giants, the expectation is that his snap count will be limited.

Commanders coach Dan Quinn said earlier in the week that the wet and rainy field conditions won’t factor into the decision, so that’s good to know. The call will come down to how McLaurin’s body responds, not the weather.

It makes sense for the Commanders to limit his snaps if he plays. McLaurin is dealing with a hamstring injury, and that type of injury can be re-aggravated at any moment. It’s easy to see why Washington would rather ease him back than lose him for a longer stretch.

The Commanders’ injury list keeps piling up

If McLaurin can’t go, he’ll join several key players on the sideline. Wide receiver Stefon Diggs, safeties Nick Cross and Percy Butler, quarterback Marcus Mariota, and defensive end Charles Omenihu were all ruled out after Friday’s final practice of the week.

Cornerback Trey Amos, defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr., and running back Jeremy McNichols are also considered questionable heading into the game.

That’s a lot of talent and depth to be missing for a divisional game. Diggs and McLaurin, in particular, are the two receivers opposing defenses have to account for on every snap.

The good news is Daniels is back on the field. He’ll start in full capacity against New York, and that alone gives Washington a much higher floor than it would have otherwise.

However, you have to wonder how effective the passing attack can be without both Diggs and potentially McLaurin. If both are out, the top receiving options become Dyami Brown, Treylon Burks, Antonio Williams, and Luke McCaffrey (if he isn’t a healthy scratch this time around).

That group has some talent, but it isn’t the type of receiver room that strikes fear into a defense. It’s clear why the Commanders’ passing attack could struggle a bit, even with Daniels slinging it.

Where Washington’s passing game could turn for production

So where does Washington go for production through the air?

There’s a good chance the Commanders lean on tight end Chig Okonkwo as one of the top options in the passing attack. He’s a reliable target over the middle and could see a heavy dose of looks if the receiver room is thin.

Then there’s the return of running back Rachaad White, who’s a good pass-catcher out of the backfield. Getting the ball to White in space on screens and check-downs could help Daniels keep the chains moving without needing to push the ball downfield every play.

Ben Sinnott and the other tight ends are also options, which opens the door for more two-tight end looks. That could help Washington control the game on the ground while creating mismatches in the short passing game.

Still, David Blough is going to have to get creative with the play-calling. The Giants’ secondary isn’t terrible, but it isn’t one of the top units in the NFL, either. That’s a matchup the Commanders can exploit if the scheme puts the right players in the right spots.

Either way, the McLaurin decision will shape how this offense looks against New York. If he’s active, even in a limited role, Daniels has a proven target to lean on in big moments. If he isn’t, Washington needs Okonkwo, White, and the rest of the supporting cast to carry more of the load than they’re used to.