McLaurin can now engage in practice, although the Commanders generally have athletes who are activated from PUP initially work with trainers on a different field.
The Washington Commanders have taken Terry McLaurin off the physically unable to perform list, as stated by the team on Saturday.
This action is a part of his recovery process and has no connection to any contract discussions, according to coach Dan Quinn.
“Completely distinct,” Quinn remarked. “This focuses on his preparation.”
Washington operates with a quick pace in their offense, frequently utilizing no-huddle and hurry-up strategies. Last season, their offensive tempo was second-fastest in terms of time between plays, according to data from ESPN Research. Therefore, they intend to provide McLaurin with three weeks of preparation before the season opener.
Quinn emphasized that the PUP list is primarily about rehabilitation, allowing the Commanders to now focus on McLaurin’s journey back to active play. It seems unlikely that he will participate in the upcoming third and final preseason game against Baltimore next week. The objective remains to have McLaurin ready for the season opener on September 7 against the New York Giants.
Quinn highlighted the significance of activating McLaurin, stating that this marks the beginning of incorporating him into walk-throughs and monitoring his progress to ensure he is prepared for a full workload. Since July 27, McLaurin has been at the training facility, recovering from an ankle issue that has affected him at various points throughout his career, including near the end of last season.
When prompted about whether McLaurin’s return from PUP was a joint decision, Quinn stated that they were adhering to established protocols.
“He’s on the same path as the other players, receiving treatments, engaging in workouts, and making positive progress,” Quinn remarked.
McLaurin has been a captain for much of his time in Washington and holds a great deal of respect among his teammates.
“I have a lot of positive things to say about him,” said center Tyler Biadasz. “We’re all looking forward to his return to the field.”
The Commanders placed McLaurin on the PUP list due to an ankle injury that caused him trouble towards the end of the previous season, after he arrived at camp on July 27 following a four-day holdout. He incurred a $200,000 fine for his absence, but by reporting back, he eliminated further fines.
If McLaurin were to miss games, he would forfeit a week’s pay for each game missed, including his bye week. Specifically, he would lose $861,111 for every week he is absent. Currently, there are no signs suggesting that McLaurin will be sidelined.
Since discussions about a new contract began earlier this offseason, the two parties have been quite distant in negotiations, as reported by sources close to the situation. A week before the training camp commenced, McLaurin expressed in an interview that he would not return until there was some “progression” in the negotiations.
McLaurin has one remaining year on the three-year, $68 million extension he signed in 2022. Various reports indicate that he is using the deal signed by DK Metcalf with the Pittsburgh Steelers as a benchmark—four years at $33 million annually with $60 million guaranteed.
According to sources, Washington has not approached that annual figure. Some believe the Commanders might eventually offer around $28 million per year.
On July 31, McLaurin requested a trade, yet team sources have indicated repeatedly over the past few months that they have no plans to trade him.
Despite being present at the facility, McLaurin would only come out post-practice to sign autographs for supporters. However, during the team’s intrasquad scrimmage wearing burgundy and gold on Tuesday, he observed from the sidelines alongside other players dealing with injuries. Prior to that practice, he had a conversation with general manager Adam Peters while on the sideline.
Coming off his second Pro Bowl selection, McLaurin ranked second in the NFL with an impressive total of 13 touchdown receptions—a personal record—alongside 10 catches for scores in the red zone during 2024. He has consistently achieved over 1,000 receiving yards for five straight seasons, though he has yet to exceed 1,200 yards.
In a 30-minute session with the media last month, McLaurin voiced significant frustration about the stagnant negotiations.
“I want to pursue my career here. I’ve built my life in this place. My wife and I have purchased our first house here. This has always been where I envisioned myself. Witnessing how everything unfolded has been disappointing,” he stated. “I realize that everything operates as a business. However, I also aspire to be in a situation where I am valued, where I feel appreciated and similar sentiments. Regrettably, that hasn’t happened in the manner I hoped for.”
