Wide receiver Terry McLaurin will be absent for the fourth straight game for the Washington Commanders due to a persistent quadriceps muscle injury. The Commanders are running into a series of injury challenges in the receiver unit, prompting the signing of Treylon Burks to their practice squad on Friday.
Coach Dan Quinn expressed sympathy for McLaurin, stating, “It’s frustrating for him, because he’s working at it hard. It’s just not ready yet, and that sometimes happens when you have a soft-tissue injury.”
The Commanders, who hold a 3-3 record, are set to face the Dallas Cowboys this Sunday. Adding to their challenges, starting wide receiver Noah Brown was placed on injured reserve this week after struggling with knee and groin injuries, missing four games earlier in the season.
McLaurin, regarded as Washington’s top target, suffered his injury during a 56-yard reception in a 42-24 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders on September 21. Before this stretch of injuries, he had participated in 72 consecutive regular-season games, not missing a contest since the latter part of the 2020 season.
At 30 years old and having surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in each of the last five seasons, McLaurin’s contributions have been significant. In the previous season alone, he made 87 catches for 1,096 yards and 13 touchdowns, and added three scores during the playoffs, helping lead the Commanders to the NFC championship game alongside quarterback Jayden Daniels.
In the offseason, amid contract negotiations, McLaurin missed training camp, landing on the physically unable to perform list upon his return. After requesting a trade when talks stalled, he ultimately agreed to a lucrative three-year deal worth up to $96 million.
Meanwhile, Deebo Samuel, Washington’s leading receiver for the season, had a brief scare as he missed practice on Thursday due to a heel issue but returned to practice on Friday. “He was able to get reps today,” Quinn noted, indicating progress in Samuel’s recovery.
The Commanders also released receiver Tay Martin from their practice squad on Friday. Martin is in his fourth NFL season and has recorded two catches for 23 yards in three appearances this year.
With the team actively seeking solutions to their injury woes, the hope remains that McLaurin can return to the field sooner rather than later, bolstering the Commanders as they strive for a strong performance against their division rivals.