Terry McLaurin's presence has been sorely missed for most of the season. The Washington Commanders have only had their star wide receiver available for four games, but there is a growing sense that the tide is about to change.
McLaurin is back at practice after reaggravating a quad/hip flexor injury against the Kansas City Chiefs during his first game back. It's been another long, tough road to get himself into shape, and he's now set to take his place in the lineup once again on Sunday Night Football against the Denver Broncos this weekend.
Fans are cautiously optimistic. McLaurin won't solve every issue, but his return will provide everyone with a massive boost. The wideout's recent comments about his health status did nothing to diminish optimism.
Terry McLaurin offers promising injury update before Commanders return
The former Ohio State standout revealed that he's feeling better than ever. McLaurin is feeling looser, and the explosiveness that makes him so special has returned. More importantly, he's ready to make up for some lost time.
"I feel really good. I feel better this time around than I did last time, but even when I came back last time, I felt like I was ready. Just had a little reaggravation, but I feel good. I just feel like I don't have any tightness in my injury area. I feel like my acceleration is there, kind of like that next gear that I have, and I'm not really thinking about it at all. Any time I can be out there, I'm always going to put myself out there, but I definitely feel better this time around, and the ramp-up process has been really good."
Terry McLaurin via 7News DC
Commanders WR Terry McLaurin is back and feeling good.
He said, "I feel better this time around than I did last time...I don't have any tightness in my injury area. I feel like my acceleration is there...I'm not really thinking about it at all." pic.twitter.com/YKUxwLlLNb
— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) November 26, 2025
With Noah Brown also making good progress, the Commanders should have some of their primary weapons back for veteran backup Marcus Mariota to utilize in Week 13.
Gaining traction against the Broncos' vaunted defense won't be easy, but McLaurin's availability gives them a fighting chance if nothing else. And if he can stay healthy over Washington's final six games, that could be enough to improve offensive efficiency before another pivotal offseason for the franchise.
Things have not gone according to plan for McLaurin this season, which is deeply frustrating given that he sat out all summer in a bitter contract standoff with the Commanders. Suffering the first prolonged injury of his prolific career was terrible timing. Now, he's eager to come out on the other end smiling.
The Commanders are a better team when McLaurin is leading from the front. It's come too late to salvage the season, but Washington will take any positives they can get right now.
Hopefully, this will be the end of his injury woes. After all, second-team All-Pro players don't grow on trees.