Washington’s frustrating season took another painful turn on Monday night.
Commanders receiver Terry McLaurin suffered a knee injury in the first quarter of a 23 to 17 loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Oct. 19, 2026, and his coach said the injury could be significant.
How did Terry McLaurin get hurt?
McLaurin tried to make a sharp cut to the outside while running a route on third down with 9 yards to go, with a little more than two minutes left in the first quarter. Quarterback Jayden Daniels was sacked on the play.
McLaurin was carted off the field with an air cast on his left knee.
Earlier, he had caught a pass for 27 yards on Washington’s first drive, setting up a field goal. The catch was one of the few bright spots early for Washington’s offense.
How serious is Terry McLaurin’s injury?
The team does not know yet. Terry McLaurin will undergo more tests Tuesday to determine the severity.
The Commanders head coach said the injury could be significant and acknowledged there is fear about what the results will show.
An air cast is often used to keep an injured joint stable until doctors can examine it more closely. Knee injuries can range from mild sprains to ligament tears that end a season.
How did McLaurin’s teammates react?
Emotionally. His quarterback called McLaurin a brother and said the injury hurts. He said he is praying for his teammate and praised how hard McLaurin works.
The quarterback said McLaurin has stood by him through tough stretches since he entered the league, including last season and this year. He said he loves and appreciates him. The quarterback has dealt with injuries of his own this season, including a dislocated left elbow.
What has Terry McLaurin meant to Washington?
He has been the team’s most reliable receiver for years. McLaurin, who is 31, posted five straight seasons with at least 1,000 receiving yards from 2020 to 2024. Drafted out of Ohio State in 2019, he became one of the most respected players in the locker room.
This season, he ranks second on the team with 15 catches and leads the team with 230 receiving yards to go with one touchdown.
Injuries have piled up recently. He missed Washington’s Week 4 game against the Indianapolis Colts with a hamstring injury but returned a week later. In 2025, he sat out seven games, ending a streak of 72 straight games played. Those setbacks have raised questions about his durability as he moves into his 30s.
What does the injury mean for Terry McLaurin’s contract?
It adds uncertainty. Terry McLaurin signed an extension covering three years before last season.
He will count $34 million against the salary cap in 2027 and $39.5 million in 2028. After this season, Washington could restructure his deal or release him and absorb $25.5 million in dead money. Dead money is salary that still counts against the cap after a player is released.
The Commanders also lost defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw to a knee injury late in the first half, and their starting running back was placed on injured reserve with a groin injury. The 49ers also had injury concerns, as receiver Mike Evans left with soreness in his Achilles.
Washington now has one win, four losses and a tie. The results of Tuesday’s tests will show how long the team must play without Terry McLaurin. San Francisco improved to six wins and no losses with the victory, holding off a strong Washington rally in the second half. Washington had also tied the New York Giants in Week 5 after a late clock blunder.
