ASHBURN, Va. — As training camp winds down, Washington’s offense is under mounting pressure to find its rhythm in preparing for Week 1, and Terry McLaurin is still absent from on-field work amidst a contract dispute. The 29-year-old Pro Bowl wide receiver remains on the sideline awaiting a new contract, and his prolonged absence is raising concerns about the unit’s readiness for Week 1.
The Commanders have made it clear they prefer to keep him, but the lack of progress on an extension leaves both sides in a holding pattern. For an offense breaking in a young quarterback and several new skill-position players, every missed practice rep feels significant.
Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury stressed that no amount of meetings or film work can replace time spent building timing and chemistry on the field. “Time on task together on the grass is the only way you can continue to build,” Kingsbury said. “That’s something we can’t make up later.”
McLaurin’s absence has accelerated the integration of other weapons into the passing game. The receiver group has a new identity in 2025, with trade acquisition Deebo Samuel providing a versatile, physical presence, and rookies Ja’Corey Brooks and Jaylin Lane bringing fresh speed and playmaking ability. Second-year wideout Luke McCaffrey has also seen a larger role after flashing promise in limited action last season.
But while the new mix of veterans and rookies has shown encouraging flashes during camp, none can replace what number 17 brings to the field.
The offense’s challenges aren’t limited to the receiver room. Starting right guard Sam Cosmi remains sidelined on the PUP list, and left guard Brandon Coleman has also missed time. Those absences have forced shuffling along the offensive line, impacting protection for second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels as he continues to build comfort in Kingsbury’s system.
With less than three weeks until the regular-season opener on Sept. 7 at home against the New York Giants, the clock is ticking. Kingsbury and the coaching staff are working to prepare the current group for game speed, but the hope remains that McLaurin will be back in the huddle when it matters most. Until then, Washington’s offense continues to operate under a sense of urgency, knowing that early-season success may hinge on how quickly its top target returns.
Conor Forrest is the Editor-in-Chief and Senior Commanders Insider for SportsJourney.com. As a graduate of George Mason University, Forrest has spent the last eight years sharing his love for sports with listeners and viewers in the DC area and around the world. He hosts the “After Further Review Podcast” and has held numerous on-air and writing roles covering the DC area sports, Division 1 Basketball, and the NFL. His work has been featured on outlets like NBC Sports Washington, Fansided.com, Heavy.com and The Fourth Estate.
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