Commanders WR Terry McLaurin Set For 'Exciting' Return

The Washington Commanders will have Pro Bowl wide receiver Terry McLaurin running routes for quarterback Sam Howell in their season-opener against the Arizona Cardinals.

The Washington Commanders got a breath of fresh air this afternoon, as Pro Bowl wide receiver Terry McLaurin is active against the Arizona Cardinals Sunday.

McLaurin was working his way back from a turf toe injury that he initially suffered against the Baltimore Ravens in the preseason 18 days ago. McLaurin was limited in Wednesday's practice, but ramped up his workload enough to get back healthy enough to suit up Sunday.

"It's exciting. From the beginning of this week right up to where we are, Terry has gotten stronger and stronger," head coach Ron Rivera said. "I think the rapport that he and Sam (Howell) have is really important to us."

The plan, at least in McLaurin's mind, was for him to play all along.

"I'm a fighter," McLaurin said. "I want to be out there with my guys."

Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images

Throughout his progression this week, McLaurin went through scripted plays that Washington assigned him to do and impressed Rivera.

"He took the reps that we had listed for him and he looked good," Rivera said Wednesday. "So, obviously the opportunity to increase them [Thursday] will both certainly occur."

In each of McLaurin's four season-openers to begin his career, he has had a different starting quarterback throwing passes to him, and Sunday will be no different. Howell will be Washington's fifth opening-day signal-caller in as many seasons, but that hasn't stopped him from being a reliable receiving target regardless.

In Week 1 in his career, McLaurin has brought in 16 passes for 306 yards and two touchdowns, and will look to be an outlet for Howell in just his second-career start.

In the preseason, Howell and McLaurin hooked up on all four targets for 46 yards.

Defensive ends Chase Young and James Smith-Williams are both listed as questionable for Sunday's 1 p.m. kickoff on FOX.