The Texans will play three more games before the trade deadline and have other needs.
Commanders' Terry McLaurin Could Return from Injury in Crucial Week 7 Matchup vs. Cowboys
Posted October 15, 2025
The Washington Commanders were without wide receiver Terry McLaurin for their Week 6 “Monday Night Football” loss to the Chicago Bears, but there’s optimism the star pass catcher won’t be out for long.
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, McLaurin “could” return to action in Week 7 when the Commanders visit the Dallas Cowboys. The 30-year-old has been recovering from a quad injury he sustained in Week 3, and his return would provide a major boost to an offense that has been hit hard by injuries.
Terry McLaurin ‘Could’ Be Back in Week 7
GettyTerry McLaurin has been out since the Raiders game on September 21.
McLaurin was officially ruled out ahead of the Commanders’ Week 6 matchup, missing his third straight game as he continues to recover from the quad injury. He suffered the injury against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 3 when he lunged for the end zone on a 56-yard reception from Marcus Mariota. McLaurin was ruled down at the 1-yard line and did not return to the game.
According to Pellisero, McLaurin “could” return for week 7, via X.
“The #Commanders could get WR Terry McLaurin (quad) back next week, while the #Vikings QB situation is murky coming off their bye. @nflnetwork.”
Before the injury, McLaurin had 10 receptions for 149 yards through three games — a slow start by his standards after missing much of the preseason amid contract negotiations. In late August, he signed a three-year deal worth up to $96 million, ending a brief holdout.
Last season, McLaurin was one of the Commanders’ most consistent playmakers, finishing with 82 catches for 1,096 yards and 13 touchdowns on his way to second-team All-Pro honors. He’s surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in five consecutive seasons and remains the clear No. 1 option in Washington’s passing game.
The Commanders will also be without Noah Brown (knee) at wide receiver, while Deebo Samuel — who was listed as questionable with a heel injury — is expected to play.
Commanders Explore WR Options Amid Injuries
Washington’s wide receiver group has been hit hard this season, leading the team to look at potential reinforcements. On Monday, October 14, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that the Commanders are hosting former Tennessee Titans first-round pick Treylon Burks for a visit.
“After a visit to the #Broncos today, source says Treylon Burks is visiting the #Commanders tomorrow,” Rapoport wrote on X. “An interesting potential addition.”
Burks, drafted by the Titans in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, was released this offseason and has drawn interest on the open market. A visit to Washington signals that the Commanders are considering all options to support rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, who completed 73.1% of his passes for 211 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception in the Week 6 loss to Chicago.
McLaurin’s return would immediately help stabilize the offense, especially against a divisional opponent like the Cowboys. If healthy, he would rejoin an offense missing several key contributors, including running back Austin Ekeler (Achilles) and defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr. (quad), both of whom were lost for the season in Week 2.
McLaurin’s status for Week 7 will be closely monitored as the Commanders (3-3) prepare for a critical NFC East matchup.
The Washington Commanders and Dallas Cowboys play on Sunday, October 19, at AT&T Stadium.
Texans Trade Pitch Lands Versatile Former Ravens Playmaker Before Deadline
In the wake of C.J. Gardner-Johnson’s release, the Houston Texans turned to veteran and former Tampa Bay Buccaneers draft pick M.J. Stewart. However, with the deadline approaching, the Texans could be a fitting trade suitor for another option in Geno Stone.
Currently with the Cincinnati Bengals, Stone entered the league as a seventh-round selection by the Baltimore Ravens.
And yet, a deal landing him with the Texans would be a full-circle opportunity.
Proposed Trade Lands Bengals S Geno Stone With Texans Before Deadline
Pro Football Focus’ Bradley Locker listed the Texans among the “possible fits” for several potential trade targets with the November 4 trade deadline approaching.
New York Jets running back Breece Hall, Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Jamal Adams, and Tennessee Titans tight end Chig Okonkwo were also on the list. Still, Stone offers the best combination of age, value, and positional need for the Texans.
This Heavy Sports trade proposal would see him land with the Texans before the deadline.
Texans get:
- Geno Stone
Bengals get:
- 2026 seventh-round pick (via SF)
The Texans are still paying the price for the trade to acquire Gardner-Johnson during the 2025 offseason. Still, Stone, 26, started all 17 games for the first time in 2024, and he has started all six for the Bengals this season.
He has significant playmaking ability, logging 7 interceptions in 2023, another 4 with 1 touchdown in 2024, and 245 total tackles in his career.
Stone also has experience at both safety spots, cornerback, nickelback, and even linebacker.
Texans general manager Nick Caserio downplayed the amount of activity he expects to take place as the trade deadline draws near. However, a trade for Stone would add a talented player who fits the timeline of the secondary’s other stars.
Texans Called ‘Possible Fit’ for Bengals S Geno Stone
Stone would be a reclamation project for the Texans in a trade. Houston’s already-stout secondary could be the kind of support system he needs around him on the field. Locker believes Stone could “regain 2023 form” with a new situation.
That could be with the Texans before the trade deadline.
“Since inking a two-year, $14 million deal to join the Bengals, Stone’s play has taken an unimaginable spiral. Among safeties to play 1,000 or more snaps over the last two seasons, Stone’s 56.6 overall PFF grade is the eighth-lowest. However, there have been some reasons for optimism this year, including his 76.2 PFF run-defense grade and 7.7% missed tackle rate,” Locker wrote on October 13.
“Assuming the Bengals will wave the white flag on their 2025 season, Stone would be a player from which to move on.
Stone was the No. 219 overall pick of the 2020 draft by the Ravens. He signed a two-year, $14 million contract with the Bengals in 2024. He later renegotiated it and is now on an expiring one-year, $4.9 million contract.
The Bengals are 2-4 and will be without starting quarterback Joe Burrow until January. However, they acquired Joe Flacco in a trade with the Cleveland Browns.
If that does not save them, bringing Stone back to the Texans could make sense.
Texans Had Geno Stone Before Breakout
A trade for Stone would be a do-over for the Texans, who had the ballhawk on their roster as a rookie but let him go.
According to BaltimoreRavens.com’s Clifton Brown in 2022, Stone spent “most” of the 2020 campaign on the Ravens practice squad until “he was released late in that season and had a brief stint with the Houston Texans before he was released and re-signed by Baltimore in 2021.”
Stone’s breakout campaign came in his fourth season.A trade to Houston could help him recapture the form he had just two seasons ago, with the talent the Texans’ former leadership once saw before he realized it on the field.
