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Injuries to Stefon Diggs and Terry McLaurin Force Roster Change for Commanders
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- Injuries to Stefon Diggs and Terry McLaurin Force Roster Change for Commanders
The Washington Commanders have elevated wide receiver Van Jefferson from their practice squad ahead of Sunday's matchup against the New York Giants. The move comes with Stefon Diggs ruled out and Terry McLaurin still questionable.
Jefferson gives Washington another experienced option at receiver as the team prepares for a divisional game with several offensive questions to answer. His elevation also comes as quarterback Jayden Daniels prepares to return after missing two games with a dislocated left elbow.
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The Commanders need their available pass catchers ready for Daniels' return. With Diggs unavailable and McLaurin's status uncertain, Jefferson could have an opportunity to contribute in a receiving group facing a significant personnel challenge.
Diggs has been ruled out with a hamstring injury, while McLaurin has also been dealing with a hamstring issue. McLaurin remained questionable entering the weekend, leaving Washington without certainty about the availability of its two leading receiving options.
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Jefferson's elevation provides additional depth behind the receivers available to the Commanders. Antonio Williams, Dyami Brown and Treylon Burks are among the other wideouts in the mix, although McLaurin's final status will influence how Washington distributes its opportunities.
The timing is particularly important because Daniels is set to return against New York. The quarterback missed the previous two games after dislocating his non-throwing elbow, making Sunday's matchup an important opportunity for Washington to get its offense moving again.
Washington Commanders wide receiver Stefon Diggs (3) Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Jefferson's experience gives Washington another option as it manages the absences and uncertainty at receiver. However, his elevation alone does not establish how many snaps or targets he will receive against the Giants.
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The Commanders will need their available receivers to execute when called upon, particularly if McLaurin cannot play or has a limited role. Jefferson now has a chance to help fill the gap left by Diggs and provide another target as Daniels returns to the lineup.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Oct 11, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
