Terry McLaurin out for 2026 season with torn patellar tendon
Washington Commanders coach Dan Quinn said tests confirmed the receiver's left knee injury after Monday's loss to San Francisco. McLaurin will need surgery.
Washington Commanders receiver Terry McLaurin will miss the rest of the 2026 NFL season after tearing the patellar tendon in his left knee during Monday's game at the San Francisco 49ers, coach Dan Quinn said Tuesday, October 20. Tests confirmed the injury, according to NFL.com, leaving Washington without its leading receiver as it tries to recover from a 1-4-1 start.
McLaurin will need surgery to repair the tendon, NFL.com reported. The operation has not been reported as completed. Washington lost Monday's game 23-17, and the injury removes one of quarterback Jayden Daniels' main targets for the remainder of the year.
How McLaurin was injured against the 49ers
ESPN reported that McLaurin was hurt while cutting on a route with 2:16 left in the first quarter; the play ended with a sack of Daniels. He had made a 27-yard catch on Washington's opening drive, his only reception of the game. NFL.com reported that McLaurin clutched his left knee after going down and was taken off the field on a cart.
The 31-year-old finishes his season with 15 catches for 230 yards and one touchdown. ESPN reported that he leads Washington in receiving yards. Quinn described the loss in terms extending beyond production: 'Man, he brings a lot on and off the field,' the coach said, according to ESPN. 'It's a big hit and we'll lean on a number of guys.'
What McLaurin's absence means for Washington
NFL.com identified Stefon Diggs as the likely leading target for Daniels, with Dyami Brown, rookie Antonio Williams and Treylon Burks in line for larger roles. Washington had signed Diggs late in the offseason. The team had also placed lead running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt on injured reserve earlier Monday, adding to the changes facing its offense.
McLaurin had already missed one game this season because of a hamstring injury, returning the following week, ESPN reported. He missed seven games in 2025 after playing 72 consecutive games. Before that interruption, he had recorded five straight 1,000-yard receiving seasons from 2020 through 2024. He is a two-time Pro Bowl selection, according to NFL.com.
The Commanders have gone three games without a win, NFL.com reported. McLaurin's absence leaves them to adjust their receiving group while trying to improve their position in the NFC East; the New York Giants led the division entering this week.
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Sources and context
- Terry McLaurin out for year with torn patellar tendonNBC Sports Pro Football Talk (carried by Yahoo Sports); Josh Alper
- Commanders WR Terry McLaurin out for rest of season with torn patellar tendonNFL.com
- Commanders WR Terry McLaurin has torn patellar tendon, ending his seasonESPN; John Keim
AI-assisted article checked against the listed sources. NewsJaws did not conduct interviews or attend the reported events.