Commanders Place Terry McLaurin on IR, Promote Van Jefferson; Jer'Zhan Newton's Practice Window Opens
Washington made its star receiver's season-ending knee injury official coming out of the bye and opened the door for its 2024 second-round pick to return
The Commanders made it official Wednesday: Terry McLaurin is on injured reserve, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported, and Washington's top receiver won't play again this season.
The move was a formality. Coach Dan Quinn had already confirmed that McLaurin tore the patellar tendon in his left knee in the Oct. 19 loss to the 49ers, an injury that requires season-ending surgery. Washington kept him on the 53-man roster through its bye week before opening the spot as players returned to work.
The #Commanders have now placed WR Terry McLaurin on IR.View on X →
Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet): The #Commanders have now placed WR Terry McLaurin on IR.
Losing McLaurin stings even in a slow year for him. He had 15 catches for 230 yards and a touchdown in five games, and Washington now has to find a new No. 1 option for Jayden Daniels. The 31-year-old will now aim for a return in 2027.
Veteran Van Jefferson takes the roster spot after being signed off the practice squad. He has appeared in one game this season. Washington also signed outside linebacker Kyle Kennard to the practice squad. Kennard, the 2024 SEC Defensive Player of the Year at South Carolina, was a fourth-round pick of the Chargers in 2025 before they waived him in August.
There was some good news on the defensive line. Washington designated defensive tackle Jer'Zhan Newton to return from IR, starting his 21-day practice window. The 2024 second-round pick tore his pectoral muscle in training camp and had surgery. If he isn't activated within the window, he reverts to IR for the season.
The 1-4-1 Commanders host the Eagles on Sunday night.