It’s unclear who will start at quarterback Sunday for the Washington Football Team. No matter if Alex Smith or Dwayne Haskins is under center, they may be without Washington’s top wide receiver Terry McLaurin.
McLaurin is listed as doubtful to play this week against the Carolina Panthers with an ankle injury.
He has appeared on the injury report since Week 12, but has played through the ailment. However, he was noticeably hobbled at times during last week’s loss against the Seattle Seahawks. He was unable to practice this week, leading to his doubtful designation.
Not having McLaurin on the field will be a huge blow for Washington. He leads the team with 80 receptions and 1,078 receiving yards. He accounts for over 23% of Washington’s offense this season.
McLaurin’s ailment comes while leading rusher Antonio Gibson is hobbled by a turf toe injury that has forced him to miss the last two games. Gibson was limited in practice all week and is listed as questionable for the game.
Meanwhile, quarterback Alex Smith was a full participant in Friday’s practice. It was his first practice since suffering a right calf strain in Week 14. His chances of playing are still considered 50/50.
The potential of not having their starting quarterback, leading rusher and receiver is daunting. That’s especially given Washington could clinch the NFC East division and a playoff berth with a win this week, but could lose their control to making the playoffs with a loss.
