Terry McLaurin Injury Update: Will Commanders Star Be Ready for Week 1 After Turf Toe Scare?

Washington, D.C. – Pro Bowl wide receiver Terry McLaurin is officially back on the field after the Washington Commanders activated him from the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list on August 16, ending a three-week absence caused by a lingering right-ankle injury suffered late last season. The move clears the way for McLaurin to practice without restriction and keeps him on track to start Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season, when Washington hosts the Dallas Cowboys. Why the activation matters • Health milestone: Team doctors wanted McLaurin to demonstrate full lateral explosiveness before green-lighting his return. Observers at Sunday’s walkthrough noted the 29-year-old running crisp digs and posts at near-top speed, a strong sign the ankle is close to 100 percent. • New offense: First-year offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury plans to feature more three-receiver sets, making McLaurin’s presence critical for spacing and pre-snap motion concepts that create mismatches across the middle. • Contract clouds: Although Head Coach Dan Quinn downplayed any contract tension, league insiders believe the timing of the activation—three days after negotiations reportedly “gained traction” on a possible extension—signals progress toward locking up Washington’s most consistent playmaker beyond 2026. Impact on Commanders’ depth chart With McLaurin back, Washington can deploy its preferred trio of McLaurin, Jahan Dotson and rookie speedster Davion Sinclair. During McLaurin’s absence, Sinclair worked almost exclusively with the first unit, but coaches have hinted at a reduced snap count for the rookie once the veteran resumes his customary X-receiver role. Dotson slides back to the Z, while Curtis Samuel is expected to operate primarily from the slot and in gadget packages. Fantasy and betting outlook • Fantasy football managers should feel confident drafting McLaurin as a high-end WR2 with WR1 upside in Kingsbury’s up-tempo scheme. • Sportsbooks had nudged Washington’s Week 1 team total from 21.5 to 20.0 during McLaurin’s stint on PUP; the line climbed back to 21.5 immediately after Saturday’s roster move, reflecting his market value. Next steps in recovery McLaurin is expected to be on a pitch count for at least the next two joint practices against the Baltimore Ravens, with full participation targeted for the preseason finale versus the Atlanta Falcons on August 24. The coaching staff will monitor any post-practice swelling but remains “cautiously optimistic” about a seamless ramp-up, according to a team spokesman. What it means for Washington’s playoff hopes The Commanders finished 25th in explosive-pass plays (20+ yards) last year; McLaurin accounted for 32 percent of them despite battling the ankle issue over the final five games. Kingsbury’s Air Raid-influenced attack should inflate that number, and an extended McLaurin-Howell partnership is viewed internally as the key to challenging Philadelphia for NFC East supremacy. Key quote “Terry’s work ethic never wavered. He attacked rehab the same way he attacks a go-route—full speed,” Quinn told reporters after Sunday’s practice. “Getting him back energizes the entire locker room and gives our young quarterback the security blanket he needs.” Bottom line Terry McLaurin’s return from the PUP list eliminates the Commanders’ biggest preseason question mark. If his ankle holds up and contract talks conclude amicably, Washington’s offense suddenly looks like one of the NFC’s most intriguing units heading into 2025.