Terry McLaurin exits Commanders vs Ravens game with toe injury

Washington Commanders star wideout Terry McLaurin exited Monday’s preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens after suffering a toe injury during the first half.

The Commanders immediately announced McLaurin as out for the remainder of the game. Per Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, X-rays on McLaurin’s toe came back negative. Prior to the injury, McLaurin hauled in three receptions for 39 yards.

McLaurin, 27, is entering his fifth season in the NFL after being selected in the third-round out of Ohio State. He’s coming off the first Pro Bowl season of his career, in which he hauled in 77 receptions for 1,191 yards and five touchdowns. McLaurin has found ways to be productive despite Washington’s revolving door at quarterback, including the likes of Case Keenum, Alex Smith, Taylor Heinicke and Carson Wentz among others.

Both McLaurin and the franchise hope they’ve finally stabilized the position with the emergence of Sam Howell. After an impressive one-game cameo at the end of last season, head coach Ron Rivera named Howell the starter for 2023, beating out veteran journeyman Jacoby Brissett.

Terry McLaurin impressed by new Commanders QB Sam Howell

McLaurin spoke highly of Howell as training camp opened last month, impressed with his attitude and poise, even in adversity.

“Yeah, to be honest, you really don’t even see him get flustered,” McLaurin said. “Even when he’s had a few rough patches during practice, he doesn’t hang his head. He’s not yelling, cussing, things like that. He stays pretty even-keeled, which is really unique for a young guy like that.

“Not only that, I think that struck me in the Dallas game because we had a turnover. But he still wasn’t afraid to push the ball down the field… I think with this being a passing league, you still gotta stay aggressive. It’s really cool to see a young guy who’s not afraid to continue to get his guys catches.”

Howell stood out in one half of action against Baltimore, completing 19-of-25 passes for 188 yards and two touchdowns.