Terry McLaurin ruled out for Week 6 vs Bears; could return vs Cowboys

When Terry McLaurin, wide receiver for Washington Commanders was announced as a no‑show for the Monday night showdown, fans in Landover felt a collective sigh. Head coach Dan Quinn confirmed on October 12 that the 30‑year‑old’s lingering quad just isn’t ready for game speed, shelving him for the Bears clash on October 14 at Northwest Stadium. The timing is cruel – McLaurin has missed three straight outings after the initial setback against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 3.

How the injury unfolded

It all began on September 22, 2025, when McLaurin lunged for a 56‑yard strike from quarterback Marcus Mariota. He broke the plane at the one‑yard line, but a sharp pain in his right quad forced him out of the game for good. Subsequent scans showed a Grade 2 strain, meaning rest and a gradual rehab plan – not a quick fix.

Since then his stats read like a shadow of his 2024 season: just ten catches for 149 yards, zero touchdowns. By contrast, last year he logged 82 receptions, 1,096 yards and 13 scores, earning second‑team All‑Pro honors and extending his five‑year streak of 1,000‑yard campaigns.

Week 6 matchup: What the Bears bring

The Chicago Bears (Chicago Bears) enter the contest with the league’s 31st‑ranked rush defense, allowing 164.5 yards per game. Their front office hopes a shorthanded Commanders pass‑rush will open up running lanes for rookie running back Caleb Williams, but the real question is who will fill McLaurin’s slot.

Coach Ben Johnson has leaned on veteran Deebo Samuel Sr. for the past two weeks. Samuel, listed as questionable with a bruised heel, has still managed touchdowns in four of five games and averages 7.6 targets per outing. Sports analysts at Sports Illustrated have even floated him as a possible anytime‑touchdown bet at +140 odds against the Bears’ porous secondary.

Commanders’ injury avalanche and offensive game plan

Aside from McLaurin, the Commanders (Washington Commanders) are missing starting wideout Noah Brown – now on his fourth straight miss with a combined groin‑knee issue – and veteran tight end Zach Ertz, who’s battling a lingering ankle sprain.

Quarterback Jayden Daniels returned in Week 5 after a knee sprain, delivering 287 yards and three touchdowns against the Los Angeles Chargers. Still, his chemistry with the remaining receivers is untested in a high‑pressure primetime slot.

• McLaurin – quad strain, out Week 6, possible return Week 7.
• Noah Brown – groin/knee, out indefinitely.
• Deebo Samuel – bruised heel, questionable.
• Zach Ertz – ankle, limited practice.
• Jayden Daniels – back from knee sprain, starter.

Coach Quinn hinted that the “next man up” philosophy will lean heavily on the young receivers drafted in 2024 and a sudden uptick in slot‑receiver usage. He also mentioned that the offensive line, still led by veteran center Deatrich Wise Jr. (who’s on injured reserve after an Achilles tear), will need to protect Daniels longer than usual.

What the Bears stand to gain

With the Commanders’ top two outside threats sidelined, the Bears can focus on pressuring Daniels and stuffing short routes. Their defensive coordinator, John Anderson, has already installed more blitz packages that exploit the Commanders’ depleted secondary.

Even so, the Bears’ own offense isn’t without hiccups. Quarterback Caleb Williams has thrown two interceptions in the last three games, and the running game remains third‑down shaky. A quick pass‑rush from the Bears could force an early turnover, shifting momentum before the second half.

Looking ahead: Week 7 and beyond

Inside the Commanders’ media room, optimism is growing that McLaurin could lace up for the October 20 clash against the Dallas Cowboys. Insider Tom Pelissero reported that the star receiver “has been running sprints on a side field,” suggesting the quad is responding to rehab drills.

If he returns, the Commanders instantly regain a deep‑threat weapon that could stretch the Cowboys’ defense, which has been vulnerable to vertical routes all season. Even a limited snap count would provide a morale boost and re‑establish the two‑receiver set that helped the team clinch several close wins earlier.

Until then, the Monday night schedule at Northwest Stadium will be a test of depth, coaching adaptability, and the ability of younger players to step into the spotlight. As the NFL pushes toward the playoff race, every missed tackle, every dropped pass, and every successful two‑point conversion could tip the balance for Washington’s postseason hopes.