Status of Commanders WR Terry McLaurin Uncertain vs. Giants

The Washington Commanders are still unsure whether a key piece on offense will suit up in week five.

Veteran wide receiver Terry McLaurin is a true game-time decision in the week five matchup against the New York Giants. Per Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, McLaurin is expected to be limited even if he is available with rain expected through the day throughout the area.

McLaurin was a late scratch in the week four loss against the Indianapolis Colts in London after suffering a hamstring injury in the final practice before gameday, while he did not practice on either Wednesday or Thursday to add another layer of questions surrounding his availability.

The news is notable for Washington's offense with quarterback Jayden Daniels a "full go" to make his first return since week five, giving him a top target in the passing game. Washington will already enter kickoff with a handful of key pieces returning from injury along with others sidelined, including veteran wide receiver Stefon Diggs, who also did not practice this week due to a hamstring injury. 

McLaurin sits second on the team with 141 receiving yards and third with ten catches through three games, while he is one of five different Commanders to record a receiving touchdown in 2026. He enters Sunday 398 receiving yards away from eclipsing 7,500 career through his career, giving the veteran a chance to inch closer toward one of several franchise feats within reach this season.

The 31 year old wide receiver is coming off consecutive games where he has notched nine targets, while he came down with six catches for 77 yards and one touchdown in the week four win against the Seattle Seahawks. Yet McLaurin has struggled to produce with Jayden Daniels as the starter so far in 2026 after amassing just 64 yards on four catches and 13 targets through the first two games.

McLaurin was one of over two dozen players to appear on the final injury report with running back Jeremy McNichos and Trey Amos initially listed as questionable before being ruled out for week five. Defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr. also returned to practice this week as he joined McLaurin with a questionable tag ahead of week five with all eyes on his eventual season debut.

Kickoff is set for 1 PM with the Commanders looking to avoid a 1-4 start, including falling to 0-3 against the NFC East.