Terry McLaurin sprains toe, but Commanders wide receiver optimistic for Week 1

The Washington Commanders received positive news on Terry McLaurin’s injury.

The wide receiver sprained his toe in Monday’s 29-28 preseason win over the Baltimore Ravens, but an MRI the next day revealed no major damage. A source with knowledge of the situation said the Commanders are optimistic that McLaurin will be available for Sept.10’s season opener against the Arizona Cardinals. 

Against the Ravens, McLaurin limped off the field after he was tackled hard following a 13-yard reception on a pass from quarterback Sam Howell. The wide receiver threw his shoe off when he returned to the sideline out of frustration and was soon examined by trainers. He then went back to the locker room shortly before halftime to receive an X-ray, which was negative. 

When the second half began, the Commanders ruled McLaurin out with a toe injury — though he was unlikely to see the field anyway at the point since the starters played only the first two quarters. Coach Ron Rivera offered little information afterward, only telling reporters that the X-Ray came back clean and McLaurin would be evaluated “day by day.” 

Through his first four seasons, McLaurin has been able to stay relatively healthy. He missed two games during his rookie year and then one the following campaign, but hasn’t missed a contest since.

Despite playing with 10 different starting quarterbacks in his career, he has had three straight seasons of reaching at least 1,000 receiving yards and possibly could have reached the mark as a rookie if not for the injuries. McLaurin signed a three-year, $71 million contract in July 2022 to keep him under contract through 2025. 

The play where Terry McLaurin appeared to injure his toe. pic.twitter.com/U11L1dwLmH

— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) August 22, 2023