Commanders Face Colts Without Stars
Commanders Rule Out Terry McLaurin And Jayden Daniels For London Game
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Key Points
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The London game marked McLaurin’s first absence of the season; Washington had initially hoped he could play through the hamstring injury but ultimately chose to hold him out as a precaution.
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In Washington’s Week 3 win over Seattle, McLaurin recorded six catches for 77 yards and a touchdown.
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Daniels’ left elbow dislocation could keep him out only through Week 4: he could return in Week 5 if he makes progress ramping up his recovery.
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Other Commanders ruled out ahead of the game included running back Rachaad White, guard Sam Cosmi and safety Nick Cross; safety Percy Butler was questionable.
Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin was ruled out of Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts in London after suffering a hamstring injury at Friday practice. WRAL reported that McLaurin, who led the Commanders with six catches for 77 yards and a touchdown in their Week 3 win over Seattle, will miss his first game of the season. The team chose to hold him out as a precaution rather than risk further injury.
Quarterback Jayden Daniels was also sidelined with a left elbow dislocation, though he could return as soon as Week 5 if his recovery progresses. TSN noted that other key players ruled out included running back Rachaad White, guard Sam Cosmi, and safety Nick Cross, forcing Washington to lean heavily on backup receivers Stefon Diggs, Antonio Williams, Dyami Brown, and Treylon Burks against Indianapolis.
McLaurin's First Absence Marks Cautious Approach
McLaurin's hamstring injury emerged during Friday's practice, just two days before the London matchup. Winnipeg Free Press reported that the Commanders initially hoped to have him available but ultimately decided holding him out was the safer choice. Missing games midseason can be painful for teams, but protecting star receivers from aggravating soft-tissue injuries often prevents longer absences down the road.
Backup Receivers Step Up Against the Colts
Without McLaurin's production, the Commanders' pass game falls on Marcus Mariota and four depth receivers. Diggs, Williams, Brown, and Burks will see increased opportunities against Indianapolis. This setup tests Washington's receiving depth early in the season and forces Mariota to distribute the ball across multiple targets rather than leaning on his star receiver.
Daniels' Elbow Injury May Be Short-Term
Daniels' left elbow dislocation could prove less damaging than McLaurin's hamstring if his recovery stays on track. Newsday indicated the quarterback might return as soon as Week 5, meaning the injury could sideline him for just one game. The Commanders will likely keep monitoring his progress closely to avoid setbacks that could extend his absence.
Commanders Face Depleted Roster in London
Beyond McLaurin and Daniels, Washington is missing Rachaad White at running back, Sam Cosmi on the offensive line, and Nick Cross at safety. SF Gate confirmed these absences ahead of the London game. Safety Percy Butler remained questionable entering the matchup. The injuries force the Commanders to rely more heavily on backup players during their international trip against a divisional rival.
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