Terry McLaurin feared to have a season-ending knee injury as the Commanders wait on Tuesday’s MRI

The Washington Commanders are bracing for the worst on Terry McLaurin. Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday morning that McLaurin, who was carted off with an air cast on his left knee during Monday night’s 23-17 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, is feared to have suffered a serious, season-ending knee injury. McLaurin is having an MRI on Tuesday, and the team has not announced a diagnosis.

What happened Monday night

McLaurin went down with 2:16 left in the first quarter while trying to cut sharply to the outside on a third-and-9 route. He was taken off the field on a cart and ruled out a short time later. He had caught a 27-yard pass on Washington’s opening drive before the injury.

Dan Quinn did not have a diagnosis after the game. He said the injury “could be significant,” and when he was asked what the tests might show, he answered, “There’s fear.” Rapoport’s report on Tuesday is the first indication that the team expects McLaurin to miss the rest of the season.

Another lost season for Washington’s top receiver

McLaurin, 31, has 15 catches for 230 yards and a touchdown this season. He already missed the Week 4 game against Indianapolis with a hamstring injury, and he sat out seven games in 2025, which ended a run of 72 straight games played.

Josh Alper noted that McLaurin has two more years left on his contract, with a $34 million cap number in 2027, and that no guaranteed money remains on the deal.

What comes next

Washington, now 1-4-1, has a little time to work through it. The Commanders are on their bye in Week 7 and next play on Nov. 1, at home against the Philadelphia Eagles. If the MRI confirms a season-ending injury, McLaurin would be a candidate for injured reserve, though the team has not made any roster move yet.

Without McLaurin on Monday, Jayden Daniels leaned on Stefon Diggs, Chig Okonkwo and Treylon Burks as Washington rallied from a 20-3 halftime deficit. Van Jefferson and Jaden Bradley are on the practice squad if the Commanders need another receiver. The team also has not given an update on defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw, who hurt his knee late in the first half.