The Commanders have removed wide receiver Terry McLaurin from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. It’s the latest and perhaps best indication of his impressive recovery from a high ankle sprain. McLaurin’s injury had previously kept him from taking part in team activities, especially noticeable at the end of last season. With this activation, he can now begin to practice and work towards returning to full form for the upcoming season.
He’s been rehabbing his ankle since late July. Even after this setback, he continued to stay focused on his recovery, going to the Commanders’ facility every day and putting in time with trainers on the ground. Earlier in the summer, he placed himself on the PUP list after expressing his displeasure with failing to resolve ankle injuries. Each of these issues has dogged him during several stages of his public career.
During McLaurin’s 2022 campaign, the former third-round pick signed a three-year, $68 million extension. Now, he has just a year remaining on that deal. He wants to protect his legacy with that franchise. Rumors indicate he is seeking something comparable to DK Metcalf’s recent contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers, which would include a four-year extension with an AAV of approximately $33 million and $60 million guaranteed.
Even with the recent injury woes, McLaurin has been a guy you can count on to be one of the best players on the field each week. It only continued during his five-year stretch of topping 1,000 receiving yards from 2018 to 2022. In 2024, he caught a career-high 13 touchdown receptions, which ranked second in the NFL that season. His early-season production, assuming he stays healthy, should make him an invaluable asset as the Commanders distill their goals for the upcoming season.
His teammate Terry McLaurin has had to deal with struggles beyond the game of football. He was $200,000 in the hole for missed time, which only deepened his frustrations over contract negotiations. Just last month he publicly expressed his frustration over the team’s lack of progress in negotiations. On July 31, he upped the ante by outright demanding a trade. Despite the constant rumors of a potential firing, team sources have told us that the Commanders have no plans to fire him.
Despite the new developments, McLaurin is still resolved in his commitment to play for the franchise long term.
“I want to continue my career here. I’ve created my life here. My wife and I bought our first home here. So this has been somewhere I’ve always wanted to be. Just to see how things have played out has been disappointing,” – Terry McLaurin
McLaurin’s leadership is apparently equally powerful in the locker room. His leadership, which has always been present, is most evident in his proud service as captain since joining the team. His impact goes well beyond the diamond. As the author or co-author of four books, Walker has proven his commitment to lifelong learning and development.
Going forward, as McLaurin returns to practice, he’ll do so with trainers before easing into full-team drills. Afterward, he should return to the practice field later this week with his teammates. The Commanders have a very conservative policy with players returning from the PUP List. They focus on their health and readiness to contribute once they are out there competing.
While it remains uncertain how soon McLaurin will return to game action, missing regular season games could result in substantial financial penalties of $861,111 for each week he sits out. This possible windfall will be further incentive for him to get back in shape as quickly as possible.
Terry McLaurin is once again on the active roster and fully cleared to participate in practice. The Commanders look forward to utilizing his talent and experience as they make their push for a tough competitive season in front of them.
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