Pro Football Rumors
The Commanders could have quarterback Jayden Daniels available for Week 4 depending on the status of his knee sprain. Even if he is back in the fold for Sunday, however, Washington’s top receiver will likely be unavailable.
Terry McLaurin has been dealing with a quad injury since the third quarter of the Commanders’ Week 3 win. On Tuesday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the two-time Pro Bowler’s status for this week was uncertain, adding further opinions on his injury would be sought out. Indeed, a visit has taken place with Dr. Williams Meyers, as noted by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Dr. Meyers is an expert on core muscle injuries, something of note given the relatively uncertain nature of McLaurin’s injury. With his prognosis still unclear at this time, signs point to an absence at least covering Washington’s upcoming game. According to Rapoport’s colleague Mike Garafolo, though (video link), the decision to seek out multiple opinions has produced a consensus that core muscle surgery will not be required.
Procedures of that kind often entail long-term absences, so today’s update is an encouraging one for McLaurin. Still, it remains to be seen what his recovery timeline will look like at this point. Any missed time on the part of the 30-year-old would of course deal a major blow to Washington’s offense.
“It’s pretty normal that, when you have something, a second opinion takes place,” head coach Dan Quinn said when speaking about the injury (via Tom Schad and Vic Tafur of the Washington Post). “So as I get into Friday, then we’ll have a sense of ‘Okay, what does it look like for Sunday?’”
McLaurin was among the most talked-about players around the NFL this offseason as he engaged in a contract standoff with the Commanders. In the end, a three-year, $87MM extension was worked out to avoid a potential free agent departure next spring. The Ohio State product has recorded 149 scoreless yards to date as he seeks out a sixth straight season of 1,000 or more yards. Efforts on that front will be hindered by a long absence, but Thursday’s update suggests one may not be in store.
Trade acquisition Deebo Samuel has scored one touchdown through the air and another on the ground early in his Commanders career. The former 49ers All-Pro will be counted on to handle a larger role on offense for however long McLaurin is sidelined, and further updates on that front will be worth monitoring over the coming days.
