Commanders Announce WR Move After Terry McLaurin News

Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

Commanders Announce WR Move After Terry McLaurin News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Trant | Last updated Oct 28, 2026 2:01 PM ET

The Washington Commanders have endured a poor start to the 2026 NFL season, largely defined by injuries and overall subpar situational football. Ahead of Sunday’s matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles, the Commanders are 1-4-1 and in last place in the NFC East.

The Commanders’ offense has been highly inconsistent, with quarterback Jayden Daniels missing two games earlier in the year and the unit struggling to find consistent rhythm.

Daniels has since returned, but the offense took another unfortunate injury blow in Week 6 against the San Francisco 49ers. Star wide receiver Terry McLaurin tore his patellar tendon in his left knee and was forced to exit the game.

Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

McLaurin had already missed time this season before his season-ending injury in Week 6, as he missed Week 4 with a hamstring injury. Through five games this season, McLaurin caught 15 passes for 230 yards and one touchdown, averaging 15.3 yards per reception.

Despite the limited volume compared to his previous seasons, McLaurin remained one of the Commanders’ most reliable offensive weapons.

The Commanders officially placed McLaurin on the Reserve/Injured list Wednesday, confirming that his 2026 campaign is over. The team also announced that it signed veteran wide receiver Van Jefferson from the practice squad to the active roster.

We have made the following roster moves:
– Placed WR Terry McLaurin on the Reserve/Injured List
– Signed WR Van Jefferson from the practice squad
– Signed OLB Kyle Kennard to the practice squad pic.twitter.com/WvIWPHFx9g
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) October 28, 2026

Jefferson has spent time with several teams throughout his career, most recently with the Tennessee Titans during the 2025 season.

A second-round pick by the Los Angeles Rams in 2020, Jefferson has 166 career receptions for 2,226 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Jefferson will not step directly into McLaurin’s role, but the Commanders will need depth options to carry a larger workload now that they are down their top target.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: