Commanders' 'Ultimate Professional' Terry McLaurin on Injury: 'I'm a Fighter!'

Washington Commanders receiver Terry McLaurin is recovering from a toe injury and hopes to play in Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals.

Few players mean more to the Washington Commanders on the field and as a leader than Terry McLaurin. 

Washington was seemingly in jeopardy of being without its leader after he suffered a toe injury on Aug. 21 against the Baltimore Ravens. With Week 1 right around the corner, McLaurin has progressed and doesn't intend for his team to be without him.

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

McLaurin's demeanor and leadership drew the praise of Commanders offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. 

“The ultimate professional," Bieniemy said of McLaurin. "The ultimate warrior…The thing that I love about him is that he’s consistent in his behavior…he provides an example of what it takes to be a student of the game…showing these guys how to do it well.”

McLaurin was a full participant in practice on Thursday after his availability for Sunday was unknown earlier in the week. 

Despite playing for 10 different starting quarterbacks through his first four seasons with the Commanders, the fifth-year receiver has been a stalwart in the offense. Since entering the league in 2019, McLaurin has had at least 900 receiving yards and four touchdowns in each of his first four seasons as a pro. 

Now, with the offense seemingly in much better hands with Sam Howell at quarterback and Bieniemy calling plays, McLaurin could be poised to have the best season of his career. 

McLaurin and Washington begin its season on Sunday when they face the Arizona Cardinals at FedEx Field at 1 p.m. ET.