Commanders News: Terry McLaurin, Chase Young, Ron Rivera and Sam Howell
By Dean Jones
Which Washington Commanders news stories are hitting the headlines as the team gets set for their last preseason engagement before the 2023 season?
We are on the eve of what will be the Washington Commanders' final big portion of their evaluations before final cuts. Players on the fringes must make a big impression during the team's preseason finale against the Cincinnati Bengals to warrant further involvement, with the prospect of further additions arriving via the waiver wire something else to monitor depending on which opportunities become available.
Until then, the stories generating substantial column inches include Chase Young's progress, pessimism surrounding Terry McLaurin's status, Ron Rivera's confidence, and Sam Howell becoming a potential long-term problem solver.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Commanders WR Terry McLaurin's status
No sooner had some good news surrounding Terry McLaurin's availability for Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals come to light, than ESPN's senior insider Adam Schefter painted a bleaker picture about the wide receiver. Something that raised concerns among Washington Commanders fans along the way.
"While Washington has expressed optimism about the status of Terry McLaurin, who suffered a turf toe injury on Monday night, the Commanders’ wide receiver is uncertain for the regular-season opener vs. the Arizona Cardinals, per sources. McLaurin will work to be ready for the start of the season, but it’s too early to say whether he will be. His injury typically is a multiple-week injury."
- Adam Schefter via X
Losing someone of McLaurin's standing for any length of time is a blow given his influence both on and off the field. The Commanders have other dynamic weapons within the wide receiver room to call upon, so it's a next-man-up mindset before the Pro Bowler is healthy enough to participate.
Expect to see Jahan Dotson and Curtis Samuel get more looks with McLaurin out of the lineup. The likes of Dyami Brown and tight end Logan Thomas might also get increased involvement in the Ohio State product's absence.