The Washington Commanders’ 29-28 preseason win over the Baltimore Ravens might have come at a significant cost. Their standout receiver, Terry McLaurin, left the game with a turf toe injury before halftime.
Although the Commanders have voiced hope regarding McLaurin’s recovery, contrasting news has surfaced. Adam Schefter, NFL insider, has said that McLaurin’s availability for Week 1’s match against the Arizona Cardinals is “uncertain,” emphasizing that this injury typically sideline players for multiple weeks.
The clock is ticking as Washington’s season opener on September 10th nears. Should McLaurin push for a comeback, it would be cutting it close. This presents a challenge for Coach Ron Rivera and new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, who must weigh the benefits and risks of speeding up McLaurin’s return.
With Cardinals in rebuild, McLaurin might not rush recovery
Looking at their opponents, the Cardinals are in a phase of reconstruction. Their projected performance for this season doesn’t seem promising, with many seeing them as one of the NFL‘s worst teams. They might even be contenders for the top spot in the 2024 NFL Draft. Recent trades, such as sending Isaiah Simmons to the New York Giants and Josh Jones to the Houston Texans, further highlight their rebuilding status.
McLaurin got some reps in against the Ravens
McLaurin‘s absence is undeniably a blow for the Commanders. With consecutive seasons of at least 1,000 receiving yards and four touchdowns over the past three years, his impact on and off the field is unparalleled for this Washington offense. The introduction of a fresh offense and a new quarterback only amplifies the importance of McLaurin’s presence. Yet, the Commanders face a significant decision: Is it wise to rush his return for a game against the Cardinals in Week 1?
Rushing McLaurin back poses risks. An initially manageable injury might escalate it, causing him to miss more time and impact the Commander‘s season long-term. If he’s fit for Week 1, he should take the field. But if any doubt remains, it’s worth letting him recover fully, even if it means missing a few initial games, to ensure he’s fit for the crucial latter part of the season.
