During their preseason matchup on Monday night against the Baltimore Ravens, the Washington Commanders made the decision to keep their first-team offense on the field for the entire first half. The offensive display showed promise, with Sam Howell impressively throwing for nearly 200 yards and securing two touchdowns. However, as the second quarter was drawing to a close, an unsettling incident unfolded.
After catching a pass over the middle from Howell, wide receiver Terry McLaurin hobbled off the field due to an apparent foot injury. Displaying his frustration, McLaurin forcefully slammed his shoe down on the sideline. The team’s trainers promptly attended to him, and he was subsequently escorted to the locker room for a more comprehensive evaluation. Following halftime, the team officially announced that McLaurin had sustained a toe injury. Furthermore, CBS Sports NFL Insider Josina Anderson reported that X-ray results on McLaurin’s toe came back negative, offering a glimmer of relief from the initial concerns.
According to reports from NFL Media, the prevailing belief is that McLaurin’s condition likely involves a toe sprain, based on the preliminary diagnosis. Encouragingly, scans conducted did not reveal any significant damage. As of now, McLaurin’s status is being characterized as day-to-day, sparking optimism that he could potentially be ready for action by Week 1. McLaurin, a central figure in the Commanders’ offense, played a pivotal role in the previous season, amassing an impressive 77 receptions for 1,191 yards and securing five touchdowns, which ultimately earned him his first Pro Bowl selection. Over the course of his first four NFL seasons, he has amassed an impressive 299 catches, 4,281 yards, and 21 touchdowns.
While the recent developments offer a more positive outlook, the potential absence of McLaurin could likely result in an increased workload for second-year wide receiver Jahan Dotson. Additionally, Curtis Samuel and Dyami Brown might assume more significant responsibilities in the offense. Worth noting, Brown himself left the Monday night game in order to undergo evaluation for a possible concussion. Dotson showcased his talents by making five receptions for 76 yards from Howell in the first half. Prior to his departure from the game, McLaurin contributed with three catches for 39 yards. Brown managed to cap off his play with an 11-yard touchdown reception following McLaurin’s departure from the field.