The Washington Commanders held their first regular season practice with positive news on the injury front.
Pro Bowl wideout Terry McLaurin was out on the field in pads as was defensive end Chase Young.
Both Ohio State products are intricate pieces to any success the Commanders have this season and to see both of them on the field on Wednesday is good news.
McLaurin has been nursing a toe sprain (turf toe) that he suffered in the Commanders’ second preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens. He’s listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals.
The Commanders and new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy would love for their best player to usher in a new era with freshly named starting quarterback Sam Howell.
Last season McLaurin was named to his first Pro Bowl after posting 77 receptions for 1,191 yards and five touchdowns.
Young who also is questionable to play against the Cardinals, has been dealing with a stinger sustained in the team’s first preseason game against the Cleveland Browns.
This is an important year for the fourth-year player after the team declined to extend a fifth-year option on his contract. The former 2020 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year has battled back from a second-year knee injury and has looked like his old self during offseason workouts and training camp.
The Commanders have been pleased with Young’s recovery and spirit in practices and hope he can return to his rookie form that produced 7.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries. One of those recoveries was for a touchdown ironically in Arizona Stadium against the San Francisco 49ers.
The official injury report will come out later today.