Terry McLaurin will make his triumphant return for the Washington Commanders on Sunday Night Football against the Denver Broncos in Week 13. This is only his fifth appearance of the campaign, and it'll be fascinating to see how he fares after another extended spell on the sidelines.
Getting McLaurin back gives everyone a massive morale boost. The Commanders are slowly getting healthier. Although they are missing star quarterback Jayden Daniels, having the former Ohio State standout involved will only help.
Unfortunately for McLaurin, the Broncos are also getting one of their franchise cornerstones back from injury. And it's got the scope to make things immensely difficult for the gifted wideout.
Terry McLaurin will have his work cut out against Patrick Surtain II
Denver didn't give All-Pro cornerback Patrick Surtain II an injury designation for the trip to Northwest Stadium. The reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year has been missing since Week 8 with a torn pectoral muscle. The Broncos haven't lost any momentum in his absence, so his return represents a scary proposition for the Commanders and everyone else around the league.
Surtain is a top 10 pick who has exceeded every expectation imaginable. He's arguably the league's best shutdown presence in coverage, boasting elite mirroring skills and instincts that make him difficult to overcome. And when players like McLaurin are in his path, the defensive back follows them all over the field to nullify their threat.
Considering how long both have been missing, there might be some rustiness. Even so, the Commanders have to find ways to scheme McLaurin open in the face of an elite-level performer and competitor. And if the offensive line cannot hold the Broncos' ferocious defensive front in check, things are going to get extremely complicated.
McLaurin will embrace the challenge. He's an ultra competitor who's worked hard to get back. The second-team All-Pro also revealed that he's feeling sharper and more explosive than ever, which will only serve him well in the prime-time pressure cooker.
Surtain won't be backing down. He can lock up anybody when firing on all cylinders. When early momentum is generated, throwing in his direction is foolish. The Commanders know that, but whether they can do anything about it is another matter.
Expecting a dominant game in McLaurin's first contest back is unfair and unrealistic, especially versus such high-caliber opposition. But if he can come up with some big plays here and there, this could be a lot closer than experts think.
Easier said than done. And Surtain's return has laid down the gauntlet to McLaurin in no uncertain terms.