The Washington Commanders got another unwelcome development before their international game against the Indianapolis Colts when wide receiver Terry McLaurin aggravated a hamstring issue during Friday's practice. His status for the London clash is now in serious doubt.
McLaurin was officially listed as questionable for the contest. The Ohio State product sustained the problem during Washington's outstanding upset over the Seattle Seahawks, and after two practices of full participation, there didn't seem to be much concern.
However, that quickly changed, and it now looks as if the two-time Pro Bowler is in real danger of missing out at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
We'll keep you updated on McLaurin's status here.
Last update, 05:30 a.m. ET.
Latest update on Terry McLaurin's status for Commanders vs. Colts in Week 4
Despite being listed as questionable for the contest, fans hoped McLaurin would tough it out and play. However, there is now real concern that he won't be able to suit up.
The Commanders will likely test him out before the game, but even though the issue isn't considered long-term, reports from team insiders suggest McLaurin won't play, giving his hamstring time to heal before Week 5 against the New York Giants.
What Commanders beat reporters are saying about Terry McLaurin
Yes, per source WR Terry McLaurin is very much in question for Sunday because of the hamstring. Those are tricky situations. No final decision until Sunday but certainly leaning the wrong way. questionable. Find out Sunday morning.
— John Keim (@john_keim) October 3, 2026
Commanders WR Terry McLaurin was listed as questionable vs. the Colts after tweaking his hamstring on Friday. Not considered long-term, I’m told, and no final decision yet for Sunday. But it’s looking like he may not play, per source.
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) October 3, 2026
Yep, just experienced some newsy whiplash. Precaution with a tricky injury has now taken taken the lead, though no final decision has been made.
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) October 3, 2026
All went down while being a tourist in front of Westminster Abbey. Weird. https://t.co/ErRI4DYQrv
Previous updates
There didn't seem to be much concern about McLaurin. He looked bright and didn't mention the issue at all during his joint press conference with fellow receiver Stefon Diggs this week. But something happened on Friday that was serious enough to cast real doubt on his status.
Head coach Dan Quinn had already spoken to the media before McLaurin's official injury designation. The club has not said anything publicly, which only heightens the mystery.
What this means for the Commanders
For a team already missing star quarterback Jayden Daniels as he continues to make encouraging progress from a dislocated elbow, losing McLaurin would be a bitter pill to swallow.
McLaurin put together his best performance of the season so far in Week 3 against the Seahawks. He stretched the field, becoming veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota's favored target in critical moments. Without him, others will have to step up and make their presence felt to keep the Commanders' newfound positivity going.
This has also come with claims that McLaurin is now injury-prone. He missed a lot of time last season, which is why general manager Adam Peters was so reluctant to give him an extension without some escape routes if things fell flat during a lengthy contract standoff last year.
Hopefully, the second-team All-Pro won't be out long, but that only makes his future beyond 2026 more precarious.
That's for the future. For now, the Commanders will have to make do without McLaurin if he cannot go.
It won't be easy, but they have the talent to keep things ticking over without their primary talisman leading the charge.
Add us as a preferred source on Google