WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Rangers’ top defenseman returned to the lineup Wednesday afternoon, but it did not help the team evade its third loss in a row.

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Despite being decimated by injuries this season, the Blueshirts have had so many more deficiencies that the return of a key player — like Adam Fox in Wednesday’s 6-3 loss to the Capitals — felt more like a Band-Aid on an open flesh wound that requires stitches.

Fox is not just the Rangers’ No. 1 defenseman and one of the club’s best overall players. Statistically, the 27-year-old is among the top three blueliners in the NHL.

His two-point effort (one power-play goal, one assist) wasn’t able to make a difference for the Rangers on Wednesday afternoon. And yet, Fox is not expected to hear his name called Friday morning, when Team USA unveils its roster for the 2026 Olympic Games on NBC’s “Today Show” ahead of the Rangers’ participation in the Winter Classic in Miami.