Terry McLaurin out for season after torn patellar tendon

Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin has been ruled out for the remainder of the 2026 season after tests confirmed a torn patellar tendon. The injury was sustained in the first quarter of the team’s 23-17 loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night, when McLaurin collided with 49ers cornerback Deommodore Lenoir and fell clutching his left knee. He was treated on the field with an air cast before being carted off.

"Tests on Tuesday showed that he suffered a torn patellar tendon that will sideline him for the remainder of the 2026 season," Commanders head coach Dan Quinn told reporters.

McLaurin, a five-time 1,000-yard receiver and two-time Pro Bowler, has recorded 15 receptions for 230 yards and one touchdown this season. The 31-year-old has already missed a game due to a hamstring injury and previously missed seven games in 2025 because of multiple injuries.

The loss leaves the Commanders at 1-4-1 and without their primary offensive weapon. The team had recently added Stefon Diggs, who is expected to become quarterback Jayden Daniels’ top target, while fellow receivers Dyami Brown, rookie Antonio Williams and Treylon Burks are projected to assume larger roles. Earlier in the week, running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt was placed on injured reserve.

Washington remains in the NFC East race, trailing the New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys as the division’s teams have struggled in recent weeks.