Terry McLaurin, the Washington Commanders’ wide receiver, is set to make his return against the Denver Broncos this Sunday Night Football. Head coach Dan Quinn confirmed McLaurin’s active status during a press conference on Friday. This will be his first game back at Northwest Stadium since suffering a quad injury in Week 3 against the Las Vegas Raiders.
McLaurin’s Return Significance
Coach Quinn expressed optimism about McLaurin’s return, recognizing the hard work he put into rehabilitation. Quinn noted that McLaurin’s ability to make explosive plays is crucial for the Commanders’ offense. “He has a superpower,” Quinn remarked, emphasizing McLaurin’s talents in making significant catches downfield as well as executing screen and intermediate routes.
Recent Performance and Absences
McLaurin participated in only one game since his injury, during a 28-7 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. In that game, he recorded three receptions for 54 yards and contributed the team’s only touchdown. As he returns, he believes he’s in better condition than before. He reports no tightness in his quad and feels confident in his acceleration when running routes.
“The plan at the beginning of the season was for all of us to be part of this offense and make plays,” McLaurin stated. He is eager to see how the offense can perform at full strength, particularly after a challenging season marked by injuries.
Injury Report for Commanders
Despite McLaurin’s return, not all teammates will join him on the field. Coach Quinn ruled out several players for the matchup against the Broncos:
- Noah Brown – Wide Receiver (groin and knee injuries)
- Jayden Daniels – Quarterback (not cleared for contact)
- Drake Jackson – Defensive End (injury concerns)
Brown is expected to miss his tenth consecutive game, but Quinn mentioned that he is nearing a return. The team has a two-week window to either activate Brown or place him on Injured Reserve for the remainder of the season. This situation highlights the challenges the Commanders face as they look to maximize their offensive potential.
