Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin did not practice again on Thursday.

That is big news, not good news, but it is important news. Last week, the update was that McLaurin was trending upward; therefore, we were led to believe he would be ready for the Dallas game, Sunday in Week 7. How ready can Terry be to be an impact if he can’t practice on Thursday?

This news comes in the same week that head coach Dan Quinn announced Noah Brown is not ready, so not ready, that after weeks of missed games, he is now being moved to injured reserve, meaning he will be out another four weeks (at least).

Terry McLaurin downgraded to DNP today. Samuel, Armstrong and Rodriguez also officially DNP. pic.twitter.com/9RpYYT8dL0

— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) October 16, 2025

McLaurin was limited on Wednesday, so is it possible that today was a veteran’s day off for McLaurin? But he has missed so much time; does he not need to be out there on Thursday if he is anywhere near ready? The Commanders could have, perhaps should have, placed Noah Brown on injured reserve much sooner. He was their WR3 at the time, and they can move guys up to take his place. But McLaurin? Being their WR1, you take every precaution, but you also take every opportunity to get him back out there as soon as he is ready. So, the McLaurin and Brown situations are comparing apples and oranges.

What is the communication between medical personnel, coaches, and McLaurin? McLaurin missed most of training camp and preseason work in a contract dispute with the front office. He talked of not being injured and not missing games in his career. Some will ask if McLaurin is holding out on playing. Has the medical staff said he is ready to go?

We don’t know the answer to those questions, so until we do, as it’s only speculation. What we do know is that the Bears showed an effective way to play the Commanders, slowing down their running game. Look for Dallas to adopt a similar strategy.

How limited are the Commanders going to be at receiver against Dallas on Sunday? Deebo Samuel was clearly not the same explosive Deebo on Monday against the Bears. His sore, injured heel was clearly hampering his play. So, it goes without saying that rookie Jaylin Lane and second-year receiver Luke McCaffrey need to separate, get open, and Jayden Daniels needs to be looking their way on Sunday.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Terry McLaurin did not practice Thursday