Washington emerges from their Week 12 bye hoping to salvage something from their disappointing season. Terry McLaurin remains out with his lingering quad injury. How much longer will fantasy football managers wait for the veteran receiver to return?
Terry McLaurin Injury Update
The quad problem originated in Week 3 when McLaurin dove toward the end zone on what looked like a 57-yard touchdown before officials reversed the call upon review.​
What started as a standard quad strain turned into an extended layoff after McLaurin consulted with multiple medical specialists, including core muscle expert Dr. William Meyers. The involvement of such a renowned physician suggested the issue might be more complex than originally thought.​
McLaurin missed four consecutive contests before returning on Monday Night Football against Kansas City in Week 8. He didn’t see heavy volume with only four targets but was active and looked healthy throughout most of the matchup. The veteran made two impressive sideline grabs, including one for a touchdown that showcased his elite toe-tapping skills.​
Unfortunately, McLaurin aggravated his quad during the second half on a diving catch and left the game. When speaking with reporters afterward, he said he felt “alright” but that assessment clearly proved too optimistic. McLaurin hasn’t played since.​
Head coach Dan Quinn quickly ruled McLaurin out for the Week 11 game against Miami in Madrid. However, positive signs emerged in McLaurin’s recovery process.​
McLaurin traveled to Spain with the team for the international contest. Earlier in his recovery, he would have remained back in Washington. This indicated meaningful progress toward a comeback.​
When the team held its first practice Wednesday before the Madrid game, McLaurin didn’t officially practice, which was expected. However, he participated in individual drills off to the side. That represented a great sign for his chances of returning after the Week 12 bye.​
Quinn offered an encouraging evaluation as preparations for Washington’s international game began. “He’s here. So he’ll do some of the movement and the on-field portions of the rehab. The first couple of weeks, he was not able to do that. That’ll take the build-up time to do that, but we’re glad he’s here, taking the next step. Sometimes these injuries take longer than you want, and they’re not predictable to say it’s going to be this set time. We’re just going to continue with the next step, and this is a good sign that we can take the next steps,” Quinn said.​
The Commanders are now emerging from their bye week in Week 13. The season is pretty much over at 3-8 with six straight losses, but players want to play. The expectation was always that McLaurin would return following the bye.
On Monday, the team held an unofficial practice and McLaurin was spotted participating. This strongly points towards his imminent return. Fantasy managers should expect to see McLaurin at practice on Wednesday, which would put him on track to play this weekend.
McLaurin’s Fantasy Outlook
The quad injury has proven far more problematic than initially anticipated for fantasy managers who’ve been without their WR2 for most of the season. McLaurin hadn’t missed a game in four straight seasons before Week 4, making his prolonged absence particularly concerning.​
Through three games before the original injury, McLaurin had compiled 10 catches for 149 yards but hadn’t yet recorded an end zone target. However, those figures reflected early-season growing pains rather than any decline in McLaurin’s abilities.​
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His Monday night performance in Week 8, despite being limited, demonstrated he can still make elite-level catches when healthy. The near-touchdown grab showcased his impressive body control and awareness. He hauled in three passes for 54 yards and a touchdown.​
Deebo Samuel Sr. will continue serving as the primary receiving threat, with Chris Moore and Jaylin Lane providing support.​
The positive developments about McLaurin performing individual drills indicate his recovery is progressing well. Fantasy managers holding McLaurin should feel encouraged by this development. His talent remains there when healthy, and a Week 13 return now appears realistic given his current trajectory.​
