Terry McLaurin made a triumphant return to the lineup in Week 8 against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Washington Commanders had been missing their prolific wide receiver for four games due to a quad injury, and his presence on the field was a massive boost at the best possible time.
Unfortunately, it was short-lived.
McLaurin was taken out of the firing line after a superb sideline catch. Most fans thought this was just a precaution with the result out of sight. However, something far more concerning was afoot.
The second-team All-Pro stated after the contest that he felt good, but the quad was a bit sore. McLaurin and the team were taking things day to day, but recent tests have shifted the saga once again.
Commanders rule out Terry McLaurin for Week 9 after one-game return
Head coach Dan Quinn revealed that McLaurin would be out for Week 9 against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday Night Football. He's reinjured the quad badly enough to end the uncertainty regarding his status almost immediately. This is a body blow to the Commanders, who are 3-5 and watching their season spiral out of control.
Quinn added that he doesn't expect McLaurin to be out for long. He said that last time, too, and the pass-catcher missed four games. Now, after one brief appearance, he's back on the shelf, and this has only built frustrations after his long contract standoff during the summer.
The Commanders at least have Deebo Samuel Sr. available again, which is something. They re-signed Robbie Chosen to the practice squad, who was the team's most productive receiver in Week 7. Aside from that, Washington will be relying more on Jaylin Lane, Luke McCaffrey, and Chris Moore to compensate for McLaurin's absence.
It's been one significant health complication after another for the Commanders this season. Every team suffers injuries, but Washington's list is nothing short of astonishing. McLaurin is among the most concerning, and there is just no telling when (or if) the former Ohio State standout can feature again.
This is the last thing Washington needed. McLaurin made two exceptional grabs on prime time, one of which was expertly brought in for a touchdown. He proved how important he is to the team's chances of being successful, so this is a demoralizing blow entering a game Quinn's squad needs to win to salvage their campaign.
They will have to do it without McLaurin, which is absolutely gut-wrenching. And there might be no coming back from this.