Commanders WR Terry McLaurin suffers torn patellar tendon: Instant reaction and analysis

Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Commanders WR Terry McLaurin suffers torn patellar tendon: Instant reaction and analysis

Originally posted on Pro Football Rumors
By Adam La Rose | Last updated Oct 20, 2026 3:58 PM ET

Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin was carted off the field during Monday night’s game. Pessimism soon emerged with respect to the chances of a return taking place this season, and it has proved to be well-founded.

When speaking to the media on Tuesday, Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said McLaurin suffered a torn patellar tendon. As Washington feared, the Pro Bowl wideout will be sidelined for the remainder of the season as a result. McLaurin’s attention will now turn to a lengthy recovery period.

An air cast was placed on the eight-year veteran’s leg after his injury, a sign a short-term absence would not be in store in this case. Leading up to today’s MRI, Quinn and others made it clear they were not expecting positive news.

Testing has now confirmed Washington — a team sitting on just one win in 2026 — will be notably short-handed on offense moving forward.

Dan Quinn says to start his weekly Zoom call with media that Terry McLaurin suffered a torn patella tendon in Monday's game with the 49ers. He will have surgery; out for the season. "Man, I'm gutted for him," Quinn says.
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) October 20, 2026

McLaurin has been a mainstay in the Commanders’ passing game throughout his tenure with the franchise. The former third-round pick has started every game during his career, topping 1,000 yards each season from 2020-24. Prior to his injury, McLaurin had been averaging 15.3 yards per catch (well above his career average). Replacing his presence and production at the receiver spot will be challenging.

Stefon Diggs was added in free agency as a veteran WR2 option, and he will now be tasked with taking on an expanded role. The 32-year-old is certainly no stranger to a heavy workload, having been targeted over 100 times during seven of his 12 career seasons. Third-round rookie Antonio Williams is also in line to see an uptick in usage for the remainder of the campaign, one which has been beset by injuries at a number of key positions on offense.

McLaurin, 31, engaged in a drawn-out negotiating process last offseason, but he wound up agreeing to a three-year extension. The Ohio State product is on the books through 2028 as a result. None of his scheduled base salary for next season is guaranteed, although $5.35M in compensation for 2027 is set to vest on April 1.

This article first appeared on Pro Football Rumors and was syndicated with permission.

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