ASHBURN, Va. -- The Washington Commanders have ruled out linebacker Frankie Luvu and tight end Chig Okonkwo for Sunday's road game against Dallas, coach Dan Quinn said. Luvu suffered a groin injury and Okonkwo a hamstring injury in Sunday's loss at Philadelphia. Neither practiced this week.

Okonkwo's absence impacts the pass game. Washington signed him in the offseason as a potential explosive target, especially in play-action. He caught two passes for 16 yards against the Eagles before leaving late in the third quarter. Replacements include John Bates, a strong blocker with 74 career receptions in 83 games, while Ben Sinnott and Colson Yankoff have a combined 18 receptions since 2024. The Commanders also could use heavy three-receiver sets; they used such looks on 71.6% of plays vs. Philadelphia.

Luvu served as defensive playcaller against the Eagles, recording a sack in two quarters. He has started 35 games since signing in 2024. Washington's defense under new coordinator Daronte Jones relies heavily on linebackers to blitz and rush the edge. The Commanders like their depth even with inside linebacker Jordan Magee on injured reserve earlier this week. They will start Leo Chenal, signed as a free agent, and rookie Sonny Styles, the seventh pick who sacked Jalen Hurts last week. Second-year Kain Medrano will be the third linebacker.