Story by
Commanders’ Dan Quinn Announces Replacement for WR Terry McLaurin
- Story by
- Commanders’ Dan Quinn Announces Replacement for WR Terry McLaurin
In what has largely been a disaster NFL season for the Washington Commanders, it only got worse in Week 6 when steady wide receiver Terry McLaurin tore his patellar tendon in his left knee.
The resulting surgery puts him out for the rest of the season and will be the second straight year where he has missed a huge portion of the year. He finished with 15 receptions for 230 yards and one touchdown.
Advertisement
Washington had their bye in Week 7 and will host the also injury-riddled Philadelphia Eagles in Week 8. The former is 1-4-1 while the latter is 2-4 preceding Monday Night Football.
On Monday, Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic reported that the Commanders will not increase WR Stefon Diggs' role with McLaurin out. Head coach Dan Quinn said they will look to others to step up, specifically rookie Antonio Williams.
The third-round draft pick has compiled 18 receptions for 205 yards and one touchdown this season. After a reduced role in September, Williams' snap counts greatly increased as the calendar turned to October.
Advertisement
Over the last three games, he played in about two-thirds of the offensive snaps. He hauled in three passes in each of those games as well. It is clear that Washington trusts him in their offense and wants to get him some touches.
Washington Commanders wide receiver Antonio Williams (14) Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
With McLaurin out, it will be Diggs that is the team's No. 1 wideout. He has had a good year for them so far after coming over from the New England Patriots. In five games, he has 24 receptions for 214 yards and four touchdowns.
Advertisement
If he can draw the eyes of the defense, then that leaves Williams to make plays in the soft spots of the coverage. The first look at that tandem at the top of the totem pole will have to wait until next Sunday.
Quarterback Jayden Daniels is playing more of a short-field, no turnovers passing game this season. He has yet to throw an interception in four games, but is only averaging 6.5 yards per attempt. Williams can capitalize on that.
Related: Washington Commanders Lost a Key Piece of Their Offensive Identity
This story was originally published by Athlon on Oct 26, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
