Week 6 NFL Inactives: Commanders lose McLaurin, Bills drop to 4‑2
When Buffalo Bills and Atlanta Falcons headed to Mercedes‑Benz Stadium on October 16, 2023, nobody could have guessed how many familiar names would be missing from the line‑ups.
At the same time, the Chicago Bears were gearing up to face the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland. Both Monday Night Football match‑ups fell under Week 6 of the 2023 NFL regular season, and the league’s official inactive lists arrived just before kickoff.
Why the inactive lists matter
In the NFL, teams must trim their rosters to 48 active players about ninety minutes before the first snap, per Rule 5, Section 1. Violations can trigger fines up to $100,000 per infraction, a rule enforced by Jon Runyan, the league’s Vice President of Football Operations.
The stakes are high because a single missing star can reshape a game plan. In Washington, the loss of wide receiver Terry McLaurin – the team’s leading receiver with 27 catches for 397 yards through the first five weeks – forced Head Coach Ron Rivera to redraw his entire passing scheme.
Week 6 inactive lists
Commanders: The team announced four players would sit out. Emergency quarterback Josh Johnson (No. 14) was listed as an emergency QB, wide receiver Terry McLaurin (No. 17) was out for injury, and linebackers Ale Kaho (No. 51) and Kainanu Alofa Kaho (No. 56) joined the sidelines for the same reason.
Bills: Defensive tackle Jordan Phillips (No. 90) and linebackers Matt Milano (No. 58) were ruled inactive. Milano’s pectoral injury, diagnosed on October 14, marked his first missed game since 2020.
Falcons: Safety Dean Marlowe (No. 32) and defensive tackle Marlon Davidson (No. 99) were listed as out. Marlowe suffered a hamstring strain during a Week 5 practice on October 9.
Bears: The team’s inactive list wasn’t publicly detailed by the league, but the game‑day roster showed a handful of depth players on the bench, none of whom altered the outcome.
Immediate game impact
The Falcons capitalized on the Bills’ depleted secondary, rushing for 180 yards and handing Buffalo a 23‑14 defeat. Sean McDermott, Buffalo’s head coach, called the defensive collapse "unacceptable performance standards" during the post‑game press conference.
Washington’s offense sputtered without McLaurin’s route‑running precision. The Commanders managed just 198 total yards – their lowest output since Week 2 of the 2022 season – and fell 12‑7 to Chicago. Louis Riddick, ESPN analyst, noted the stark drop in production, adding, "Washington’s offensive limitations without McLaurin were glaring."
Chicago’s victory pushed the Bears to a 2‑4 record, while the Commanders slipped to 3‑3. In the Bills’ camp, quarterback Josh Allen managed only 18 of 32 passes for 171 yards, the fewest passing yards in a Bills game since Week 1 of the 2021 season.
Coach and front‑office reactions
Rivera, in a pre‑game interview, said, "We adjust to personnel availability, but Terry's route‑running precision is irreplaceable this week." After the loss, General Manager Adam Peters issued a brief statement: "We're monitoring all players' recovery timelines daily; no return dates are confirmed for Week 7 against the New York Giants."
Commanders Team President Jason Wright echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the depth challenges posed by multiple linebackers sitting out.
Statistical takeaways
- Falcons’ rushing yards: 180 (up 22% from Week 5).
- Bills’ passing yards: 171 (lowest since 2021 Week 1).
- Commanders total offense: 198 yards (4th‑lowest of the season).
- Washington’s defense limited the Bears to 219 yards, a respectable figure despite the loss.
- Matt Milano’s first missed game in three seasons highlights injury volatility in the league.
Looking ahead
Next week, the Bills travel to face the Kansas City Chiefs, a matchup that could swing their playoff trajectory. If Milano returns, Buffalo’s defense could tighten up just in time.
The Commanders host the New York Giants on October 28. Without McLaurin, Washington may lean on rookie receivers and short‑pass concepts, unless the injury list clears. Coach Rivera hinted at “creative play‑calling” in his upcoming press conference.
For the Bears, a win keeps them above .500 in the NFC North, but they’ll still need to overcome a tough visit to the Detroit Lions.
Historical context
McLaurin has missed only two games since entering the league in 2019, making his Week 6 absence a rare disruption. His career average of 7.8 receptions per game underscores how pivotal he is to Washington’s passing attack.
Josh Johnson, listed as an emergency quarterback, has appeared in 14 games over a 15‑year career with stops at Tampa Bay and New York. His inclusion on the inactive list signals that the Commanders felt confident enough in their depth to forgo his emergency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Terry McLaurin's absence affect the Commanders' offense?
McLaurin accounted for 27 catches and 397 yards through Week 5, averaging over 70 yards per game. Without his route‑running skill set, Washington dropped to 198 total yards, its lowest output this season, forcing the team to rely on short screens and under‑utilized receivers.
Why was Josh Johnson listed as an emergency quarterback for Washington?
The Commanders kept Johnson as a safety net in case starter Sam Howell suffered an injury. His veteran status and previous 14‑game appearances made him a logical emergency option, though he ultimately remained inactive on game day.
What injury sidelined Matt Milano, and how significant is it?
Milano suffered a pectoral strain diagnosed on October 14. It’s his first missed game since 2020, ending a streak of 98 consecutive appearances. His absence weakens Buffalo’s middle linebacker corps, which could affect run defense against upcoming opponents.
Did the Falcons’ inactive list have a noticeable impact on the game?
The Falcons missed safety Dean Marlowe and defensive tackle Marlon Davidson, but their offense surged, scoring 23 points. The loss of Marlowe’s coverage depth was mitigated by other defensive backs stepping up, while the defensive line held strong enough to sustain the victory.
What are the next challenges for the Bills after this loss?
Buffalo must rebound against a high‑powered Kansas City Chiefs offense next week. Restoring defensive cohesion after losing Jordan Phillips and Matt Milano will be key, as will improving a passing game that dropped to 171 yards, the lowest in two seasons.