Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin will miss the remainder of the season after sustaining a torn patellar tendon in his left knee, head coach Dan Quinn confirmed Tuesday.
The injury occurred during Washington’s 23-17 defeat against the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night in Santa Clara, California. McLaurin underwent an MRI examination Tuesday that verified the severity of the damage, and the team confirmed the veteran target will undergo surgery to repair the tendon, the Associated Press reported.
How the injury unfolded
McLaurin went down without contact while running a route near the sideline against 49ers cornerback Deommodore Lenoir, immediately grabbing his left knee in visible pain. While news reports differed on whether the play occurred late in the first quarter or shortly before the two-minute warning in the second quarter, medical personnel quickly placed an air cast over McLaurin’s left leg before he was carted off the field.
Quinn acknowledged the franchise’s initial fears immediately following the game, telling reporters that the medical staff was deeply worried the setback could be significant. Speaking again Tuesday after diagnostic testing cemented the diagnosis, Quinn reflected on the veteran’s importance to the roster.
“Man, he brings a lot on and off the field,” Quinn said, according to the Associated Press. “I felt him in so many unique ways this season from training camp to in-season. For him to even start the game like he did was significant.”
Offensive adjustments in Washington
The loss of McLaurin removes Washington’s premier downfield weapon during an already challenging campaign. Selected by the franchise in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft, the 31-year-old had spent his entire career in Washington. Through five appearances this season, he led the roster with 15 receptions for 230 yards and one touchdown, having previously missed a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts because of a hamstring problem.
Washington entered Monday’s matchup already depleted by injuries to several contributors, including Marcus Mariota, Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Charles Omenihu and Javontae Jean-Baptiste. With McLaurin sidelined, the Commanders will lean heavily on veteran Stefon Diggs alongside rookie third-round selection Antonio Williams. In Monday night’s contest, Williams paced Washington’s receivers with 45 offensive snaps, while Diggs recorded six catches for 44 yards and a score, and tight end Chig Okonkwo caught seven passes for 69 yards.
Financial implications and what comes next
Beyond the current season, McLaurin’s long-term timeline carries notable financial stakes. Before the 2025 season, the wide receiver signed a three-year contract extension valued at $96 million that ties him to the team through 2028, the Associated Press reported. His contract includes a scheduled $23.3 million salary for the 2027 season, of which $5.35 million is guaranteed for injury if he cannot pass a physical by April 1.
The Commanders now sit at 1-4-1 following their fourth defeat of the season. Washington will enter a Week 7 bye, granting the coaching staff two weeks to reorganize the passing attack before hosting the Philadelphia Eagles on Nov. 1 in Landover, Maryland.
