BREAKING: Terry McLaurin Ruled Out for Week 5 as Commanders Prepare for Chargers
By Josh Davis | October 2, 2025 | ESPN
In a disappointing development for the Washington Commanders, star wide receiver Terry McLaurin has been ruled out for the team’s Week 5 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers due to a quadriceps injury. This marks the second consecutive game McLaurin will miss, as the injury continues to sideline one of the team’s most reliable offensive playmakers.
McLaurin, who has been the Commanders' top receiver since entering the league, suffered the injury during a 56-yard reception in Week 3 against the Las Vegas Raiders. Despite his absence, McLaurin’s impact on the field is undeniable. He has led the team in receptions and receiving yards in each of his first six seasons, and his leadership in the locker room has been equally significant.
A Key Absence
The Commanders will feel McLaurin’s absence, especially as they face off against a talented Chargers defense that has shown improvement in recent weeks. With McLaurin out, Washington will rely on other key receivers to step up. The team is expected to look to wideouts like Jahan Dotson, Curtis Samuel, and DeAndre Carter to fill the void. Each player will need to rise to the occasion, especially with McLaurin’s leadership and playmaking ability missing from the lineup.
Quarterback Jayden Daniels, who missed the last game due to a knee injury, has been cleared to play and will return to lead the offense. Daniels’ return brings a sense of stability to the offense, as the rookie quarterback had been showing significant promise before his injury. However, the loss of McLaurin complicates things, as the Commanders now need to adjust their game plan to accommodate for the absence of their star wideout.
Commanders' Offensive Outlook
With McLaurin sidelined, the focus shifts to how effectively Daniels and the rest of the receiving corps can execute the offense. The Commanders’ running game, led by Brian Robinson Jr., could see more involvement as the team may lean on the ground game to balance out their passing attack. The Chargers' defense has been solid against the run, but with McLaurin out, the passing attack will need to be more diverse to ensure the Commanders can keep up with the high-powered Chargers offense.
The loss of McLaurin is a significant blow to Washington’s offensive identity. McLaurin has been a constant for the team, both as a deep threat and a possession receiver. His ability to make plays in critical moments has been a key factor in the team’s success, and with him unavailable, the Commanders’ offensive playbook may need some adjustments. The coaching staff, led by Ron Rivera, will need to find ways to maximize the potential of the remaining wide receivers while also ensuring Daniels is protected and able to find open targets.
A Team Ready to Step Up
While McLaurin’s injury is undoubtedly a setback, the Commanders remain confident in their ability to overcome the challenge. Head Coach Ron Rivera was quick to emphasize that the team has depth, and other players will have to step up to fill McLaurin’s shoes. “Terry’s absence is tough, but we’re not dwelling on it,” Rivera said. “We’ve got players who are ready to step into the spotlight. This team has always been about next man up, and we’ll continue to push forward.”
In McLaurin’s absence, it will be up to Jahan Dotson, who has shown flashes of potential this season, to take on a larger role in the offense. Dotson’s speed and playmaking ability could make him a key target for Daniels as the two look to form chemistry in a high-pressure game against the Chargers.
What’s Next for the Commanders?
As the Commanders prepare for their Week 5 matchup, their season remains very much in the balance. Sitting at 2-2, Washington needs a win to keep pace in a competitive NFC East. The Chargers will provide a tough test, but with Daniels back under center and a hungry group of receivers ready to step up, Washington has a chance to come out with a much-needed victory.
While McLaurin’s injury is a significant setback, it also presents an opportunity for others to rise to the occasion. Washington’s success moving forward will depend on how well they adapt to this new reality, and how the team plays without one of its most vital offensive weapons.
As the Commanders head into this crucial game against the Chargers, they’ll need to prove that they can win as a collective unit, even when facing adversity. The road to the playoffs may become more difficult, but with a strong team effort, Washington still has plenty of opportunities to succeed this season.
Indianapolis Colts’ Ace Wins Player of the Month Honors
Despite last week’s heartbreaking loss to the Los Angeles Rams, the Indianapolis Colts are off to a hot start to the 2025 season. At – what used to be – the quarter pole of the season, the Colts are 3-1 and in co-possession of first place in the usually-competitive-for-the-wrong-reasons AFC South division.
During that span, kicker Spencer Shrader has been nearly perfect, converting 13 of his 14 field goal attempts (he missed on against the Tennessee Titans, and if there is ever a game to miss a field goal…) and all 12 of his extra points.
His pinpoint-accurate kicked has earned Shrader AFC Special Teams Player of the Month honors.
“Luke (Rhodes) and Rigo (Sanchez) figured out that I got ‘Special Teams Player of the Month’ before I did,” Shrader said. “And their reaction was awesome. They were just so excited and so happy. And it made me feel good to bring those guys joy.”
Shrader leads the entire NFL in field goals made and in total points through four games.
Spencer Shrader sets Colts franchise record for points
Shrader has now scored 51 points, which are the most points by any Colts player through the the first four weeks of a season in franchise history. That’s pretty good considering Adam Vinatieri kicked in Indianapolis for 14 years from 2006-2019.
Coincidentally, it’s not all that surprising that Vinatieri was the last Colts player to win the AFC Special Teams Player of the Month award back in October of 2016.
This is a big deal for the second-year Shrader, who has bounced around the NFL since his rookie season in 2024. That included stints with the Colts, New York Jets and Kansas City Chiefs. He was 10-10 last year wherever he went, which led to him getting the full-time gig in Indy this year.
“Confidence inspiring, but more so just appreciative for getting that opportunity,” Shrader said.
Colts teammates are excited for Spencer Shrader and his accomplishment
On Thursday, the media gathered around Shrader to talk to him about his honor. Luke Rhodes, Shrader’s long snapper, played the role of Flavor Flav.
“There he is,” Rhodes said. “Player of the Month.”
Shrader was obviously very excited, but also remained humble.
“It’s been a blessing,” he said. “It’s been a lot of fun.”
As stated previously, Rhodes and holder/punter Rigoberto Sanchez found out about Shrader’s award-winning moment before he did. It was a really big deal for him to share the honor with the two of them.
“Their reaction was awesome,” he said. “They’re just so excited and so happy. It made me feel good to bring those guys joy, and from that circle on to the team as a whole.”
Shrader was good enough last year for the team to feel comfortable moving on from former All-Pro kicker Matt Gay, who signed with the Washington Commanders following his release. So far, Shrader has made the Colts‘ brass look extremely intelligent.
His next test will come this weekend as the Colts (3-1) host the Las Vegas Raiders (1-3) on Sunday at 1 p.m. EDT at Lucas Oil Stadium.
