Washington’s offense has been an absolute nightmare to start the 2026 season with injuries everywhere, but there’s a huge break for Commanders fans: Terry McLaurin is back on the practice field, just two days out from their Week 5 clash with the Giants. It’s news that dropped at the perfect moment, honestly, because this team has been hit hard by the injury bug.
The Commanders’ Injury Nightmare Continues
Seriously, what a rough start for Washington. We’re only a quarter of the way into the season, and it feels like every key offensive player has already seen the sideline. Quarterback Jayden Daniels got knocked out in Week 2 with a dislocated elbow, which is just brutal. Then running back Rachaad White limped off in Week 3 with a shoulder problem. And just when you thought it couldn’t get worse, McLaurin, the guy everyone counts on, pulled a hamstring before Week 4 and missed the game. It’s like a MASH unit out there.
And the hits keep coming. Just as McLaurin is making his way back, fellow wide receiver Stefon Diggs has been ruled out of the Giants game with his own hamstring issue. Diggs joined the team midsummer and has been solid, which makes this even tougher. Remember, he tore his ACL in 2024, then bounced back with a 1,000-yard season for the New England Patriots in 2025. This year, through four games, he’d already snagged 18 catches for 170 yards and three touchdowns. Losing that kind of production is a massive blow.
McLaurin Steps Up As Daniels Returns
So, yeah, McLaurin hitting the practice field again is huge. We just found out Daniels is going to be the starter for Week 5, only three weeks after that gnarly elbow dislocation. The big question is whether he’s truly healthy and ready to go. But having McLaurin back out there has to make Daniels’ life a little easier, right?
McLaurin’s own start to the year has been interesting. In three games, he grabbed 10 passes for 141 yards and a touchdown, but he was targeted 22 times and had three drops. For a guy known for having some of the best hands in the league , he’s only had five drops in an entire season twice, in 2021 and 2023 , those three drops are definitely something to keep an eye on. Still, when you’re facing a surprisingly tough New York defense, ranked 8th in points per game, you need every weapon you can get.
The Commanders are hosting the Giants this Sunday at 1 p.m. ET. With Daniels making a speedy return and McLaurin back just as Diggs is sidelined, it’s going to be a wild one. Can McLaurin shake off those drops and give Daniels the help he desperately needs against that Giants D? You know everyone will be watching to see if this offense can finally get some momentum.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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