Terry McLaurin’s injury is as bad as the Washington Commanders feared: the Pro Bowl wide receiver suffered a torn patellar tendon in Monday night’s loss to the 49ers and will miss the rest of the season, head coach Dan Quinn confirmed Tuesday.
McLaurin was carted off in the first quarter at Levi’s Stadium after getting his feet tangled with San Francisco corner Deommodore Lenoir on a third-down route. He reached for his left leg, trainers fitted an air cast, and an MRI on Tuesday confirmed the season-ending diagnosis. He is expected to undergo surgery.
“Man, I’m gutted for him,” Quinn said on his weekly media call, via The Athletic’s David Aldridge. It was McLaurin’s second game back after missing Week 4 with a hamstring injury, and he finishes 2026 with 15 catches for 230 yards and a touchdown.
A devastating blow for Washington
McLaurin has been the heartbeat of Washington’s passing game for years, topping 1,000 yards in every season from 2020-24. His 15.3 yards per catch led the team this season, and his absence robs quarterback Jayden Daniels of his best deep threat.
The Commanders (1-4-1) now turn to veteran Stefon Diggs, who has 24 catches for 214 yards and a team-high four touchdowns, and third-round rookie Antonio Williams (205 yards) to carry the load during the bye week and beyond.
What comes next
McLaurin signed a three-year, $87 million extension last year that runs through 2028, but with cap hits climbing to $34 million and $39 million in 2027-28, Washington faces difficult decisions this offseason. For now, the focus is on a lengthy rehab — and a lost season that keeps getting darker.
Quinn was visibly emotional discussing the injury: “Man, I’m gutted for him,” the coach said, calling McLaurin the heartbeat of the locker room. The 30-year-old had 15 catches for 230 yards and a touchdown this season while mentoring a young receiver room. With Washington at 1-4-1 heading into its bye week, the front office must now decide whether to chase a replacement before the trade deadline or lean on Deebo Samuel, who has 24 catches for 214 yards and four scores.
