Terry McLaurin Injury Update: Will Commanders WR Return in Week 7 vs. Cowboys?

Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin remains sidelined with a quad injury as the team prepares for a key Week 7 NFC East matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. McLaurin has now missed three straight games, and fantasy football managers are anxiously awaiting signs of a return.

The veteran receiver suffered the injury late in the third quarter of Washington’s Week 3 win over the Las Vegas Raiders while diving for a 57-yard touchdown that was later overturned on review. What initially appeared to be a minor quad strain has turned into a prolonged absence after McLaurin consulted multiple specialists, including renowned core muscle expert Dr. William Meyers, suggesting the injury could be more complex than first believed.

McLaurin’s Recovery Timeline and Latest Updates

McLaurin has missed Weeks 4, 5, and 6 — the longest absence of his NFL career. Prior to this stretch, he had missed just three games total since entering the league in 2019. Head coach Dan Quinn has repeatedly expressed optimism that the 29-year-old could return soon, but so far those words have not translated into practice participation.

Washington held McLaurin out of all team drills during Week 6 preparations, a sign that he remains in the recovery phase rather than being ready for game action. However, there are encouraging signs. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported over the weekend that McLaurin was seen running sprints on a side field during Saturday’s practice and that there have been no setbacks in his rehab.

“He’s just working his way through his rehab,” Pelissero said, adding that McLaurin “does have a chance to be back next week.” That aligns with Washington’s hope that the star receiver could return to the field for the Week 7 showdown against Dallas, though a Week 8 return remains a realistic scenario if progress continues but he’s not quite ready by Sunday.

The Commanders will hold a walkthrough on Wednesday following their short week, and McLaurin’s participation — or lack thereof — will be the most telling sign yet of whether he can return. If he is limited or remains sidelined, fantasy managers should prepare for another week without him.

Fantasy Football Outlook for Terry McLaurin

This injury has been particularly frustrating for fantasy football players. McLaurin had not missed a game in four straight seasons before this setback, and many drafted him as a WR1. Through the first three games of 2025, however, he had not recorded a single end-zone target and was seeing the lowest target share of his career.

When healthy, McLaurin is expected to slot back into the WR2 role behind Deebo Samuel Sr., who played through a heel injury in Week 6. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels leaned on depth receivers Chris Moore, Jaylin Lane, and Luke McCaffrey during Monday night’s win over the Chicago Bears, but McLaurin’s return would significantly improve Washington’s passing attack.

The Commanders’ upcoming schedule also offers favorable matchups that could help McLaurin quickly regain fantasy relevance. If he returns this week, managers should treat him as a WR3 with upside. If not, Week 8 looks like a strong possibility, assuming he progresses in practice.

Terry McLaurin’s Week 7 status remains uncertain, but signs point to progress. His return to practice — even in a limited capacity — will be the key factor to watch as Washington prepares to face Dallas. Fantasy managers should remain cautiously optimistic while planning alternatives for at least one more week.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Will Terry McLaurin play in Week 7?

It’s uncertain. He was seen running sprints last week, but he hasn’t practiced fully. His participation this week will decide his status.

Q2: What injury is keeping McLaurin out?

He is dealing with a quad injury suffered in Week 3. Specialists believe it may involve deeper core muscle issues.

Q3: How many games has McLaurin missed?

He has missed three straight games — the longest absence of his career. Before this season, he had missed just three total games since 2019.

Q4: What is McLaurin’s fantasy value if he returns?

If active, he should be considered a WR3 with upside. His chemistry with Jayden Daniels could improve the Commanders’ offense.

Q5: When is Washington’s next game?

The Commanders face the Dallas Cowboys in a crucial Week 7 NFC East matchup this Sunday.