The Washington Football Team will be without wide receiver Terry McLaurin Sunday against the Carolina Panthers, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.
McLaurin was listed as doubtful Friday with an ankle injury that kept him out of practice all week. He has been bothered by the ailment since Week 12, but played through it until this week.
His absence could loom large for Washington. McLaurin leads the team with 80 receptions and 1,078 receiving yards on the season. He also has three touchdowns.
The second-most productive wide receiver on the team is Cam Sims, who has 24 catches for 371 yards and a touchdown. Washington also has Steven Sims and rookie Isaiah Wright at wide receiver. Additionally, fellow rookie Antonio Gandy-Golden was activated from injured reserve on Saturday while Dontrelle Inman was released.
Tight end Logan Thomas, who has 62 catches for 570 yards and a team-leading five receiving touchdowns, will likely be the focal point of Washington’s passing offense.
McLaurin’s absence is coupled with concerns about the health of quarterback Alex Smith. Smith likely will be a game-time decision with a right calf injury.
In light of the tough news surrounding McLaurin, Washington is expected to get back their leading rusher, rookie Antonio Gibson, Schefter added. Gibson missed the last two games after suffering a turf toe injury in Week 13 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
