Terry McLaurin’s injury came at a difficult time for the Washington Commanders, who were trying to recover from a rough start against the San Francisco 49ers. The wide receiver went down in the first quarter of Monday Night Football and had to leave the field on a cart. Washington fought back in the second half but lost 23- 17score. The bigger blow arrived on Tuesday, when head coach Dan Quinn confirmed that McLaurin would miss the rest of the season, leaving the team without one of its most trusted offensive leaders.
Terry McLaurin’s injury ends his 2026 season
McLaurin tore the patellar tendon in his left knee during the Week 6 game, and Quinn confirmed this on Tuesday with the 31-year-old receiver will need surgery, which ended his 2026 campaign after just six weeks.
The injury happened while McLaurin was cutting on a route late in the opening quarter. He grabbed his knee and could not get off the field without help. Medical staff placed his left leg in an air cast before taking him to the locker room.
“He’s a captain and one of our real leaders,” Quinn said. “And so, we’re all here to support him. That was certainly tough news.”
McLaurin had already missed Washington’s Week 4 game with a hamstring injury but returned the following week. He led the Commanders with 230 receiving yards on 15 catches before the injury.
His unavailability now puts more pressure on Stefon Diggs, Treylon Burks, Dyami Brown and rookie Antonio Williams to help fill the gap in Washington’s passing game.
Fans react to Terry McLaurin’s season-ending injury
The NFL shared the news of McLaurin’s torn patellar tendon on X, prompting fans to respond to the season-ending setback. “Commanders WR Terry McLaurin suffers torn patellar tendon and is out for the season, per HC Dan Quinn,” the NFL tweeted.
Commanders WR Terry McLaurin suffers torn patellar tendon and is out for the season, per HC Dan Quinn. https://t.co/sWUbJRdEAp
— NFL (@NFL) October 20, 2026
One supporter asked, “Complete tear? He will be out for part of next season too.” McLaurin will undergo surgery, and the injury could keep him away from the field beyond the current season.
Another fan posted, “Sick of these injuries man.”
Washington has already faced many injury problems this year, with quarterback Jayden Daniels missing time and offensive lineman Laremy Tunsil sidelined after tearing his triceps during training camp.
The issue continued with another reaction: “Anddd another star player out for the year… these injuries are terrible for Football man, smh”
One supporter also shared a message of encouragement, writing, “I hope Terry has a full recovery and best to the man. He has been a great team leader for the Washington Redskins/Football Team/Commanders. I also hope he considers a broadcast career in the booth or Coaching after his playing days are done. All the best to him.”
Drafted in 2019, McLaurin has become a team captain and a familiar face for Washington through several difficult seasons. Another fan tied the setback to the team’s defeat, writing, “Just to get screwed again and lose the game. F*** the NFL man, it’s so fake anymore. Does it even matter who plays tbh.”
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