Multiple Commanders' Injury Updates Ahead of Week Eight vs Eagles

The Washington Commanders have announced a flurry of injury update ahead of the primetime matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday night.

That includes placing wide receiver Terry McLaurin on the reserve/injured list, officially ending his 2026 season weeks after head coach Dan Quinn confirmed the news. Yet Washington will bring a familiar face back to the active roster with the team announcing that wide receiver Van Jefferson has been signed from the practice squad. The 30 year old flashed as a possession receiver during preseason as he and Luke McCaffrey were two notable actives in the preseason finale against the Baltimore Ravens. Jefferson has recorded at least 24 catches in each of his last two seasons, one with the Pittsburgh Steelers and one with the Tennessee Titans, where he replenishes the Commanders' depth at the position.

The Commanders also officially opened the 21-day practice window for defensive tackle Jer'Zhan Newton, who suffered a torn pectoral muscle during preseason as the team announced he was expected to miss significant time into the regular season. Newton marks a welcomed return for the Commanders' defensive line that could face additional injuries after head coach Dan Quinn revealed it will "likely be tough" for defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw to make his return against Philadelphia. Despite not missing a game so far this season, Kinlaw has battled multiple injuries with Newton now able to replace his production.

Wide receiver Stefon Diggs is also not practicing on Wednesday though Quinn also noted he will be a full participant on Thursday, potentially a move to limit snaps for veterans with the regular season approaching the second half. Offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil, who is expected to miss the bulk if not all of the regular season, is also weeks away from his next check-up on his tricep injury with the team able to better gauge a return to play timeline after.

The Commanders also added to the practice squad after announcing the signing of former South Carolina outside linebacker Kyle Kennard.

The edge rusher began his NFL career with the Los Angeles Chargers after being selected with the 125th overall pick in the fourth round of the 2025 Draft, while he totaled a pair of tackles across his five appearances as a rookie. Kennard was then waived prior to the start of the 2026 regular season, giving the 6-foot-5, 245-pound linebacker a chance to restart his NFL career in Washington.