The Washington Commanders pulled wide receiver Terry McLaurin off the physically unable to perform (PUP) list Saturday, a move that comes as offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury has been vocal about getting the team’s core offensive weapons back in action.
McLaurin’s Status and Contract Situation
The 29-year-old receiver has been absent from training camp entirely due to contract negotiations that have hit a wall, with no extension materializing yet. Head coach Dan Quinn made it clear that McLaurin’s PUP activation has nothing to do with contract discussions—it’s purely about his physical readiness.
\”We have a real process,\” Quinn explained. \”We’re not going to skip steps and put him out there before he’s ready. That’s where we’re at.\”
McLaurin’s current three-year deal, inked in 2022 for roughly $70 million, has one year left on it. He sat out voluntary organized team activities (OTAs) this spring, was a no-show for mandatory minicamp, and held out when training camp opened before eventually reporting—only to land on the PUP list with an ankle issue. That same ankle problem had him listed on injury reports during the final two weeks of last season’s regular campaign, though it mysteriously disappeared come playoff time.
PUP to Active: Recovery Progress and Practice Status
During his PUP stint, McLaurin’s been stuck in meetings and conditioning work with trainers while being banned from actual practice or walkthroughs. He was nowhere to be seen during Saturday’s workout, which Quinn said was par for the course.
\”The PUP designation is primarily rehab-focused. Moving off PUP means shifting rehab toward returning to active play,\” said Quinn. \”It doesn’t mean he’s back practicing yet, but progress is being made.\”
When pressed about McLaurin’s willingness to get back on the field—especially given his earlier comments about not returning until contract talks advance—Quinn’s response was decidedly vague, hinting that McLaurin’s participation remains fluid.
Playing Time Outlook and Training Camp Challenges
McLaurin hasn’t taken a meaningful snap since January 26 in the NFC Championship Game—that’s 202 days without live action as of Saturday. With Washington running a streamlined training camp, McLaurin’s window to get full team reps before the September 7 season opener is rapidly closing. The team and Baltimore Ravens scrapped their joint practice scheduled for August 21 due to logistical headaches. Quinn already confirmed that McLaurin and 11 other starters won’t suit up for Monday’s preseason matchup against Cincinnati, and his chances of playing in the preseason finale against the Ravens look slim.
\”It would be tough, given the quick turnaround from Monday to Saturday,\” Quinn said. \”I wouldn’t rule anything out, but it would likely be earlier than ideal.\”
Should McLaurin hit the right benchmarks in his return-to-play protocol, he could potentially be game-ready for the regular-season kickoff against the New York Giants.
Impact of Absences on Commanders’ Offense
McLaurin isn’t the only offensive weapon missing from training camp. Receiver Noah Brown (knee) and guards Sam Cosmi (knee) and Brandon Coleman (lower body) are also sidelined. These absences have thrown a wrench into the offense’s development after last season’s impressive 12-5 finish.
The preseason opener against New England was largely a showcase for backups and reserves—and it showed, ranking among the team’s ugliest performances since 2023. Back in Ashburn, the Commanders ran through jog-throughs and an intrasquad scrimmage where the first-team offense looked completely out of sync. Quarterback Jayden Daniels had trouble finding his groove with receivers, connecting mainly with veterans Deebo Samuel and Zach Ertz, while the offensive line—missing both starting guards—couldn’t keep the defensive pass rush at bay.
Kingsbury stressed the importance of getting key pieces back to properly assess what this offense can become.
\”Until we get some of these pieces back, we won’t know exactly what we are,\” Kingsbury said. \”We’ve seen guys at these positions, but without the projected top two outside receivers and both projected inside guards, the offense can’t really jell or develop chemistry. We need to get everyone on the grass in the next three weeks.\”
Contract Negotiation Difficulties and Market Comparisons
McLaurin has kept his cards close to his chest regarding specific financial targets for a new contract, though he’s suggested his market value should match the league’s elite receivers. Right now, nine wide receivers are pulling in at least $30 million per year.
League insiders believe McLaurin’s camp is eyeing an average annual value somewhere between $32 million and $33 million—similar to DK Metcalf‘s four-year, $132 million extension with Pittsburgh that averages $33 million annually.
What’s complicating matters for Washington is McLaurin’s upcoming 30th birthday on September 15, meaning any extension would kick in as he enters his 31st year. History shows that star receivers often see their production and durability take a hit once they hit their 30s—a reality that’s likely factoring into these negotiations.
(Photo by Timothy Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
