The Washington Commanders will be without star receiver Terry McLaurin for their Week 11 matchup against the Miami Dolphins in Spain. Head coach Dan Quinn confirmed the news Monday, saying McLaurin aggravated a quad injury that has sidelined him for two games.
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Nov 9, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn runs onto the field prior to the Commanders’ game against the Detroit Lions at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
McLaurin, 30, will travel with the team but will watch the game from the sideline. The setback comes as Washington searches for stability amid a five-game losing streak and a 3-7 record.
McLaurin signed a 97 million dollar extension this offseason after five straight one thousand yard seasons and an All Pro year in 2024.
His absence creates a major hole in an offense already missing rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, who is still dealing with an elbow injury. Washington has averaged only 192 passing yards across the last three games.
Quinn also revealed he will take over defensive coordinator duties, stepping in for Joe Whitt Jr. The Commanders have surrendered nearly 36 points per game during their current slide.
They have dropped four straight contests by at least 21 points, a stretch that exposed major issues on that side of the ball.
“When something’s not working, we shift from the question of why isn’t it working to what do we need to do to get it right,” Quinnsaid per ESPN. “Joe took the news like the pro he is. We’re all consumed by getting it right. That’s what we intend to do.”
Quinn said the staff needs to focus on what it takes to get it right, adding that Whitt handled the transition professionally.
Dan Quinn Reshuffles Roles as Team Faces Critical Stretch
Quinn’s decision highlights growing urgency. Washington’s defensive struggles mirror offensive inconsistencies, with injuries amplifying roster shortcomings.
The Commanders are set for a bye after facing Miami, offering a potential window for recovery for both McLaurin and Daniels before a six-game closing stretch.
The upcoming game holds playoff implications despite bleak odds. Both teams sit at 3-7, fighting to remain mathematically alive in the NFC race.
If Washington can find a way to defeat the Dolphins, the post-bye stretch could offer a narrow path to redemption.
However, for Quinn’s group to recover, the defense must reset under his leadership, and the offense will need to adapt without its top two playmakers.
The coming weeks may determine whether the Commanders’ season ends in quiet decline or a brief surge of resilience.