Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin Greg Fiume/GettyImages

Urgent insider report on Terry McLaurin sends Commanders fans into panic

Originally posted on Riggo's Rag | By Dean Jones | Last updated Oct 10, 2025 9:00 AM ET

There was optimism among the Washington Commanders fan base about Terry McLaurin's participation in Week 6 against the Chicago Bears. The wide receiver has been absent for the last two games with what the team called a quad problem. However, one respected NFL insider hinted that it might be something more.

McLaurin, who missed the entire summer during an extended contract holdout that was eventually resolved successfully, got hurt in Week 3 and hasn't been seen since. The second-team All-Pro hasn't practiced, aside from doing some stretching work. Washington opted not to place him on injured reserve, which was a clear indicator that the wideout could return sooner rather than later.

That might not be this weekend, although there is still time for that to change with an extra day before something is confirmed one way or another.

Commanders are taking things slowly with Terry McLaurin amid ongoing injury problems

Ian Rapoport from the NFL Network revealed that things are not looking good for McLaurin featuring on Monday Night Football. He also believed the Ohio State product was suffering more of a hip flexor issue than his quad, which is a new development that explains why he sought additional opinions from leading specialists across the country.

Terry McLaurin is battling a hip flexor injury. It's called a quad, but it's more like a hip flexor. He was not at practice, and because he missed last week, it does not bode well for his status. You'd think, to have to be able to play in the game, he'd have to have a full practice. Has not even had a limited practice yet since his injury. Not looking good for the Monday nighter against the Bears, but obviously, we will see if he's at practice.Ian Rapoport

From @GMFB: The latest on injuries to #Ravens QB Lamar Jackson (hamstring), #Commanders WR Terry McLaurin (hip flexor), and #AZCardinals QB Kyler Murray (foot sprain). pic.twitter.com/PyJUJQwmDf
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 9, 2025

It could be hip and quad problems that McLaurin is currently trying to navigate. That only raises the uncertainty around his recovery timeline, and the fact that he wasn't padded up for practice on Thursday only decreases the chance of getting him involved at Northwest Stadium.

The Commanders will take their time. They cannot afford to have McLaurin over the business end of the campaign, and the offense is performing pretty well without him right now. Unless there is 100 percent confidence that he can perform to his Pro Bowl-caliber standards, there is no point risking it.

Things look more promising for Noah Brown, but the possible absence of McLaurin for a third-straight game is a significant blow. Nothing has been confirmed for sure, so all eyes will be on the gifted pass-catcher on Friday and Saturday before the Commanders officially declare his status.

Kliff Kingsbury will have contingency plans in place. Others are also proving capable of picking up the slack, further softening the blow.

But as all Commanders fans know, there is nobody who shines on the brightest stages more than McLaurin.

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

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