Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin will miss the remainder of the 2026 season after suffering a torn patellar tendon during Monday night's loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn confirmed on Tuesday that wide receiver Terry McLaurin has suffered a torn patellar tendon and will be sidelined for the remainder of the 2026 season. The injury occurred during Monday night's 23-17 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, marking the most severe injury of McLaurin's career.
McLaurin was injured in the first quarter while engaged with 49ers cornerback Deommodore Lenoir on a pass play. According to reports, he crumbled to the ground and immediately clutched his left knee. He was fitted with an air cast and carted off the field.
Tests conducted on Tuesday confirmed the torn patellar tendon. Quinn told reporters that McLaurin will need to undergo surgery, which will shelve him for the rest of his eighth NFL year. The 31-year-old had already missed one game this season due to a hamstring injury. In 2025, he missed seven games due to quad, core muscle, and groin issues.
The loss of McLaurin, a two-time Pro Bowl selection and five-time 1,000-yard receiver, leaves the Commanders' offense in a difficult position. The team is currently 1-4-1 following the defeat to the undefeated 49ers. Prior to signing Stefon Diggs late in the offseason, Washington's wide receiver room appeared thin behind McLaurin.
With McLaurin out, Diggs is expected to become quarterback Jayden Daniels' top target. Other receivers, including Dyami Brown, rookie Antonio Williams, and Treylon Burks, will be forced into larger roles. Earlier on Monday, Washington also placed lead running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt on injured reserve.
The Commanders are winless over their last three games. However, they remain in the NFC East, where all four division teams went winless over the past two weeks. The New York Giants (3-2-1) hold first place, followed by the Philadelphia Eagles (2-4), Dallas Cowboys (2-4), and the Commanders.
McLaurin finished the current season with 15 receptions for 230 yards and one touchdown. His injury comes after a 27-yard catch on Washington's first drive of Monday's game.
The loss of McLaurin significantly weakens the Commanders' passing attack, forcing reliance on newly acquired Stefon Diggs and less experienced receivers. With the team already struggling offensively and sitting at 1-4-1, the injury complicates their path to competitiveness in the NFC East, despite the division's overall poor performance.
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
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