The biggest slice of credit for the Washington Commanders turning their season around last year undeniably went to rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. However, not far behind him on that last was veteran wide receiver Terry McLaurin, who had his best year by many numbers with Daniels throwing him the ball. Even after a protracted contract negotiation, which included a trade request, Washington recognized his value on the team.
A consistently dominant producer, McLaurin came into the season with five consecutive years of 1,000+ receiving yards. However, what truly made him stand out was that he hadn’t missed a regular game in the last four seasons.
That streak came to an end this season, as a right quad injury caused him to miss the team’s clash against the Atlanta Falcons last week. With a pivotal Week 5 game against the Los Angeles Chargers next on the docket, would the Commanders get their offensive centerpiece back?
How Severe Is Terry McLaurin’s Injury Heading Into the Chargers Game?
Trying to dive for a 56-yard touchdown reception against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 3, it first became clear that McLaurin wasn’t 100% as he came back up. As it turned out, he was diagnosed with an injury to his right quad.
That ailment caused him to miss the team’s game against the Falcons in Week 4, which the Commanders lost 34-27. Going into this week, too, the signs weren’t encouraging, as it wasn’t until Thursday that he started working in a side field with athletic trainers.
With the team flying to Los Angeles for an away game, the official ruling was made by head coach Dann Quinn, which declared that McLaurin would miss his second-straight game with the injury. However, his head coach did make it clear that he was trending in the right direction.
His first year after signing a massive three-year extension worth $96 million hasn’t gone according to plan. He is ranking 45th on PFSN’s WR Impact so far this year, after finishing at 15th last season.
For the Commanders, whose sights are set on playoff success, though, the focus will be on getting into the postseason fully healthy.
With Daniels, McLaurin, and even Noah Brown getting the injury bug to begin the season, the goings have been tough. The team stands at 2-2, with wins over two 1-3 squads.
Going against a Chargers team on the road is going to be tough, especially with two of their biggest passing targets off the team. A defense that specializes against the pass will require Daniels to get creative to ensure the ball is moving down the field.
