The Washington Commanders are rolling through the preseason. The team has a new owner, ridding itself of Dan Snyder. On Monday, the Commanders ended the Baltimore Ravens’ 24-game preseason win streak. Now, the news gets better. It appears star wide receiver Terry McLaurin escaped a severe injury.
McLaurin suffered a toe injury after getting tackled from behind in the second quarter of Washington’s 29-28 win over Baltimore. Frustrated, McLaurin threw his cleat as he hobbled to the sideline. He eventually headed to the locker room to be further examined just before halftime.
X-rays on Monday night were negative. Tuesday brought even better news. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, an MRI revealed no major damage. The team is optimistic that Terry McLaurin can be available for Week 1 of the regular season. He is considered day-to-day.
McLaurin probably was done for the preseason, even if he was completely healthy. The Commanders played most of its offensive starters for the first half of its second preseason game, mainly for the development of second-year quarterback Sam Howell.
Howell impressed against the Ravens, completing 19-of-25 passes for 188 yards and two touchdowns.
The Commanders have just under three weeks before it takes the field against the Arizona Cardinals. McLaurin will have time for his toe to heal enough to play in the regular season opener, especially if he’s considered day-to-day.
McLaurin has been Washington’s top receiver since arriving as a third-round draft pick in 2019. After having 919 receiving yards and seven touchdowns his first year, McLaurin has compiled at least 1,000 yards receiving each of the last three seasons.
His presence on the field is vital for the success of the Commanders. Washington knows that. Getting him back to 100% is imperative.
