Gut-Check Time For Commanders' Terry McLaurin As Season Nears

The wait goes on for Washington Commanders receiver Terry McLaurin and his contract to be finalized, and so far throughout training camp, McLaurin hasn't practiced.

Yes, he's been engaged in the classroom and in team walkthroughs, but there is only so much you can get out of the mental aspect.

Soon, there needs to be the physical aspect that needs to come to life, and with the regular season fast approaching, not having McLaurin properly practice yet is concerning.

And for offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, he knows he has to get Terry back on the field soon, while detailing that participating in walkthroughs is fine, but more is needed.

“I think not as much as we would if he was full go," Kingsbury said on the difference between having McLaurin in walkthroughs compared ot practice. "There's no doubt. But I'm huge on walkthroughs, on practice things like that because until you get on the grass and actually do it and feel the timing and feel the depths of routes and things of that nature, I don’t know exactly how much you can get out of that.

"I think we’re kind of at that point to where we need to start getting those guys, when they’re available, out there and jelling to see where we are as an offense.”

The physical nature is key here. Because in Week 1, if Terry does get his new deal or he doesn't sit out, the Commanders can't expect him to be in full flight, because he doesn't have his "football" shape back yet.

That is going to be detrimental to the offense, if it isn't already, because the regular season is now under a month away.

Can Terry get into proper football shape in under three weeks? Color us skeptical.

And it is clear Kingsbury knows the full value of having players consistently practicing, something McLaurin isn't doing.