Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin Greg Fiume/GettyImages

Commanders' rookie confirmed what fans knew all along about Terry McLaurin

Originally posted on Riggo's Rag | By Dean Jones | Last updated Oct 16, 2025 8:00 AM ET

The Washington Commanders could be getting wide receiver Terry McLaurin back into the lineup this weekend against the Dallas Cowboys. Nothing is set in stone yet, but head coach Dan Quinn revealed he'll get a whole week of practice before a decision is made.

With the Dallas Cowboys likely to have their own prolific wideout, CeeDee Lamb, also back from injury, it raises the stakes for McLaurin to feature. At the same time, the Commanders are not going to risk any complications. The wideout needs to hit his markers. After that, it will be all systems go.

McLaurin's return would give everyone a huge lift. He's an outstanding on-field performer and an inspirational presence in the locker room. This will be needed with the Commanders sitting at 3-3 with their bitter division rival next up. It's all hands on deck, and Washington cannot afford another setback with some tricky games upcoming.

Commanders rookie Jaylin Lane is happy to have Terry McLaurin back involved

Rookie wideout Jaylin Lane outlined the significance of McLaurin's presence. His leadership and mentorship have had a significant impact on his transition from college to the pros. His comments suggest that this could be the morale boost everyone needs, as the team's fortunes teeter on the edge.

It's huge, man, getting Scary Terry back. He's just a great leader for this team, especially for me in the room. So it will be amazing to get him back on the field.Jaylin Lane via 7News DC

Spoke with Commanders rookie WR Jaylin Lane after today's practice.

On maybe getting Terry McLaurin back this week, Jaylin said, "it's huge man, getting Scary Terry back. He's just a great leader for the team." pic.twitter.com/f0xcJIJuAb
— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) October 15, 2025

This is a sentiment echoed by the entire locker room. Jayden Daniels expressed confidence in McLaurin, highlighting his consistency throughout a highly productive career. With Noah Brown going to injured reserve after failing to recover from a knee problem, the two-time Pro Bowler will be needed more than ever.

The Cowboys' offense presents a formidable challenge, one that will only intensify with Lamb resuming his prolific pairing with George Pickens. Washington needs to match fire with fire during what will likely be a shootout. Those chances increase exponentially if McLaurin gets the green light.

It's not the start to 2025 that McLaurin envisaged. He missed months of activity with his teammates during a contract standoff. He's now missed three games, matching his total absences from 2019 to 2024. Considering how competitive the Ohio State product is and how he always goes above and beyond to help the team, he'll be relishing the prospect of suiting up versus Washington's most hated adversary.

This remains a wait-and-see scenario. Clues will emerge based on McLaurin's involvement in practice. However, all signs are finally pointing up for one of Washington's most pivotal franchise cornerstones.

This article first appeared on Riggo's Rag and was syndicated with permission.

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