The Washington Commanders secured a decisive victory against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 3, but the win came at a cost. An already shorthanded offense is now in danger of losing another key player after Terry McLaurin left the game with a quad injury, leaving fans to wonder if the team can sustain its momentum.
How Will Terry McLaurin’s Injury Affect the Commanders’ Offense?
During their impressive victory over the Raiders, the Commanders showed resilience as backup quarterback Marcus Mariota stepped in and adequately filled Jayden Daniels’s shoes.
Despite leaving the game early, McLaurin still led the team with 74 receiving yards. Now, his status for the upcoming games is uncertain.
NFL insider Adam Schefter provided an update on the 6-foot wideout, casting doubt on his availability for Washington’s next contest against the Atlanta Falcons.
Washington WR Terry McLaurin is uncertain to play Sunday vs. Atlanta due to his quad injury, per source. He still is seeking more information about the injury. pic.twitter.com/NEhZ5cQpAR
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 23, 2025
As there is no definitive timeline for McLaurin’s return, Schefter’s report highlights the immediate concern. “Washington WR Terry McLaurin is uncertain to play Sunday vs. Atlanta due to his quad injury, per source,” he said. “He still is seeking more information about the injury.”
While the Commanders have started the 2025 season with a 2-1 record, the Ohio State product has been surprisingly quiet so far.
Is McLaurin Underperforming After His Massive Offseason Deal?
After negotiations that stretched for nearly the entire summer, McLaurin and the Commanders finally agreed to a massive extension. The deal provides the 30-year-old pass-catcher with a three-year, $96 million contract.
With five consecutive seasons of over 1,000 receiving yards, the investment seemed like a no-brainer. However, through three games in 2025, McLaurin has recorded just 149 receiving yards and zero touchdowns on 10 receptions.
Behind the former third-round pick, Deebo Samuel is having a strong start with his new team. The former San Francisco 49er has 132 receiving yards and a touchdown on a team-leading 16 receptions. This situation is further complicated by the health of Washington’s starting quarterback. Daniels is undoubtedly eager to return to the lineup after he sustained a knee sprain in Washington’s Week 2 loss to Green Bay. The second-year QB remains day-to-day with his recovery.
While certain players’ statistics may not jump off the page early in the season, the Commanders have played well as a collective unit. The offense, one of the most exciting from a season ago, is back at it, averaging just under 30 points per game through three weeks.
Can Washington Overcome Its Injuries Against Atlanta?
The Commanders’ next opponent might be the most unpredictable team in the NFL right now. The Falcons are off to a 1-2 start and benched their starting quarterback, Michael Penix Jr., last week after he threw two interceptions in a losing effort to the Carolina Panthers.
In that game, Penix Jr. and the Falcons failed to score a single point as the previously winless Panthers posted a 30-0 shutout. Seeking vengeance, Atlanta will get its opportunity as it prepares for Washington.
With plenty of question marks regarding which quarterback will start for both teams and the availability of other key players, the 1 p.m. contest could be a surprisingly compelling matchup.