(AP Photo/Kelley L. Cox)
Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin was carted off the field with a left knee injury during Monday night’s 23-17 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, raising concerns about the severity of the setback.
McLaurin sustained the injury in the first quarter while running a route on third-and-9. As he attempted to cut sharply toward the outside, his knee appeared to buckle, leaving him unable to reach the sideline under his own power. Medical personnel placed his left leg in an air cast before taking him off the field.
Commanders coach Dan Quinn said after the game that the injury could be significant. Washington will conduct further testing Tuesday to determine the extent of the damage.
“There’s fear,” Quinn said when asked about the potential diagnosis.
McLaurin’s injury adds to Washington’s concerns after the team suffered another defeat. The veteran receiver caught a 27-yard pass on the Commanders’ opening drive before leaving the game.
Jayden Daniels Reacts to McLaurin’s Injury
Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels expressed his concern for McLaurin after watching his teammate leave the field.
“He’s a brother to me. It sucks,” Daniels said. “You see how hard he works … Praying for Terry.”
Daniels also credited McLaurin for supporting him through difficult stretches since he joined Washington, saying the receiver had consistently stood by him.
The injury could be a significant setback for an offense that has already dealt with several absences this season. McLaurin leads Washington with 230 receiving yards and one touchdown on 15 receptions, even though he missed the team’s Week 4 game against the Indianapolis Colts with a hamstring injury.
With McLaurin sidelined, wide receivers Stefon Diggs and rookie Antonio Williams could see increased opportunities, while tight end Chig Okonkwo may also take on a larger role in the passing game.
McLaurin’s Injury History and Career Impact
McLaurin, 31, has been one of Washington’s most reliable offensive players since the team selected him in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He recorded five consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons from 2020 through 2024 and earned two Pro Bowl selections.
He missed seven games in 2025 because of a quadriceps injury, ending a streak of 72 consecutive appearances. His hamstring issue earlier this season forced him to miss another game before he returned to the lineup.
McLaurin has recorded 513 receptions for 7,191 yards and 42 touchdowns during his NFL career. He signed a three-year contract extension before the 2025 season, keeping him under contract with Washington beyond the current campaign.
The Commanders also lost defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw to a knee injury late in the first half against San Francisco. Kinlaw was ruled out for the remainder of the game.
Washington will await the results of McLaurin’s medical evaluations before determining the next steps for his recovery. Quinn’s initial comments suggest the team is concerned, but the severity of the injury remains unknown.
