It's taken a while, but the Washington Commanders are getting healthier. This has come too late to match their lofty ambitions before the campaign, so it'll be interesting to see if anything can be saved from the wreckage of their 2025 season.
One player who's been missed more than most is reportedly making encouraging progress. Head coach Dan Quinn didn't confirm anything for sure, but the signs are pointing up for wide receiver Terry McLaurin at long last.
McLaurin's been missing for a long time. He suffered a quad/hip flexor injury in Week 3 against the Las Vegas Raiders. The second-team All-Pro lasted just one game of his comeback before the complication flared up again. He's not been seen since, but some extended rest over the bye week seems to have brought him along.
Commanders proceeding with cautious optimism regarding Terry McLaurin's status
Quinn revealed that McLaurin took part in Washington's jog-through session on Monday. It wasn't exactly fast-paced, but the head coach is hoping to ramp things up in the coming days to improve his chances of featuring on Sunday Night Football against the Denver Broncos.
"It wasn’t like a full-speed, hauling-ass day, but that’s kind of what we’re hoping the progression for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday looks like for him and some of his teammates. He’s really worked hard and … we’ll see where it takes us, but it was awesome to have him out there today."
Dan Quinn via The Athletic
Although Quinn didn't make the bold proclamations he has in the past regarding McLaurin, he seemed enthused by how the Ohio State product was moving. If he sees the same when the Commanders increase the intensity, that raises the likelihood of being active at Northwest Stadium this weekend.
Obviously, fans have heard all this before. McLaurin suffered one roadblock after another. His absence hasn't been the root of all failure, but it hasn't exactly helped either. But until Washington's passionate support sees the 2019 third-round pick on the field, they'll remain somewhat skeptical.
This is a positive development. With the likes of quarterback Jayden Daniels, wide receiver Noah Brown, and safety Will Harris also making returns in the not-too-distant future, the Commanders are about to be stronger than they have been for a while.
Whether that brings about the desired improvements remains to be seen. But the Commanders are a better team when McLaurin is on the field, making things happen in the passing game with ruthless efficiency.
That's not up for discussion.