The Commanders got a late-week scare with Terry McLaurin, and it comes at exactly the wrong time.
Washington listed its top wide receiver as a limited participant in Friday’s final injury report with a hamstring injury, and McLaurin is now questionable for Sunday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. He had not appeared on the injury report earlier in the week, making this a fresh development that surfaced in Friday’s practice.
“Commanders WR Terry McLaurin had a hamstring issue pop up in practice today and now is questionable for Sunday’s game against the Colts in London,” Pelissero wrote.
A Friday addition to the report usually doesn’t inspire much optimism, and McLaurin’s availability is now very much in question.
If he can’t go, Washington will be missing its No. 1 receiver in a game where the offense is already stretched thin. Starting quarterback Jayden Daniels was ruled out on Friday as well, setting up another start for backup Marcus Mariota.
Through three games, McLaurin has 10 catches for 141 yards and a touchdown. He sits second on the team in receptions behind Stefon Diggs and leads the club in receiving yards.
He was also a big part of Washington’s upset win over the reigning Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks last week, hauling in six of nine targets for 77 yards and a score.
Without McLaurin, Diggs would be in line for even more work in the passing game. Rookie Antonio Williams, Jaylin Lane and Dyami Brown could also see expanded roles. Diggs is second on the team with 135 receiving yards and has three touchdowns, while Williams is third with 103 yards and one score.
The Commanders also have Luke McCaffrey and Treylon Burks on the 53-man roster, along with Van Jefferson and Jaden Bradley on the practice squad.
Washington and Indianapolis are scheduled to kick off at 9:30 a.m. ET Sunday on NFL Network.
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