Fans have been anxiously awaiting developments regarding Terry McLaurin's status. The Washington Commanders were tight-lipped as expected, but the wide receiver seeking several different opinions on his quad complication didn't paint the most promising picture.
McLaurin visited the country's top core muscle specialist, which raised further concerns. This hinted that the issue was more complex than initially feared, and head coach Dan Quinn stated that there would be no more updates from the team's perspective until Friday's final designations are confirmed.
There was no sign of McLaurin over the opening two days of practice before Week 4 against the Atlanta Falcons. It's not looking especially promising for his participation this weekend, but a top NFL insider revealed the news that every fan was waiting for.
Terry McLaurin reportedly doesn't need surgery, which is great news for the Commanders
Mike Garafolo from the NFL Network revealed that McLaurin will not require surgery at this time, which is a significant boost. That doesn't mean he'll be involved this weekend, but the insider stated this could be a short-term absence rather than anything more detrimental to the team's chances.
"My understanding is that there will be no surgery, at least not right now. That is the little bit of good news on Terry McLaurin, because any kind of core muscle surgery, you're looking at six to eight weeks. That's not in the cards as of right now, sources tell me. That being said, he hasn't practiced the last couple of days. Doesn't sound like he's going to be playing. We'll find out about his status once Dan Quinn speaks to the media, but at least the good news is it seems to be on the shorter end with the recovery on that injury that's all over the place."Mike Garafolo
From @NFLGameDay Kickoff: #Commanders WR Terry McLaurin’s quad injury will not require surgery after McLaurin sought multiple medical opinions this week. Still not looking good for Sunday vs. the #Falcons but at least no surgery at this point. pic.twitter.com/n7qQYm1sM1
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) September 25, 2025
This is the best-case scenario if accurate. Fans are realizing that McLaurin won't be in the lineup in Week 4. But the fact that no surgery is needed makes it a week-to-week deal. That is much better than a trip to injured reserve.
McLaurin is a franchise cornerstone. He's an integral part of the team's on-field plans and an exceptional leader in the locker room. Not having the Ohio State product for one or two games is a blow, but it pales into insignificance compared to being without the second-team All-Pro for half the season.
Until McLaurin can get back into the fold, others have to step up. Noah Brown hasn't practiced this week, either. He also missed last weekend's triumph, which leaves the Commanders depending on Deebo Samuel Sr., Jaylin Lane, Luke McCaffrey, Chris Moore, and potentially someone like Ja'Corey Brooks or Tay Martin from the practice squad. Not ideal, but Kliff Kingsbury will have the game plan in place to minimize complications.
Not having McLaurin at any stage is disappointing. But if Garafolo's report is accurate, at least it's nothing too serious.