The Washington Commanders will have their top two receivers back for “Monday Night Football,” with Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel set to play against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Both players participated fully in practice over the past three days, and after ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the news, the team later confirmed both players will be active. Head coach Dan Quinn stated they both will play. McLaurin has missed the last four games due to a right quad injury, while Samuel sat out last week with a bruised heel that also affected him in the previous game.
The return of both receivers is a welcome boost for the Commanders, who have been plagued by injuries—a factor in their 3-4 record heading into the game against the 4-3 Chiefs. Their presence also provides key support for backup quarterback Marcus Mariota, making his third start this season in place of the injured Jayden Daniels, sidelined with a right hamstring injury.
Terry McLaurin is Ready to Go, Feels 100%
McLaurin said Friday that he didn’t feel 100% until Monday after being close in recent weeks.
GettyLANDOVER, MARYLAND – OCTOBER 13: Terry McLaurin #17 of the Washington Commanders looks on before the game against the Chicago Bears at Northwest Stadium on October 13, 2025 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
“Being able to accelerate and run by people and slam on the brakes, that’s my game,” he said. “My injury hindered a lot of that, but I feel really good right now.”
McLaurin has recorded 10 receptions for 149 yards and no touchdowns over three games. Samuel leads the Commanders with 34 catches for 315 yards and three touchdowns. Meanwhile, receiver Noah Brown hasn’t played since Week 2 and was placed on injured reserve on October 15.
Washington Offense Playing Well, Despite No Jayden Daniels
Despite injuries, Washington’s offense has been productive for much of the season. The Commanders rank 10th in scoring and 13th in total yards, and are seventh in yards per play, though only 24th on third downs.
They also remain second in rushing yards per game overall, but over the past two weeks, their running backs have averaged just 3.6 yards per carry—down from 6.06 in the first five games—and 66.5 rushing yards per game. In those matchups against Chicago and Dallas, who rank 28th and 30th in rushing yards per game, the defenses crowded the box and challenged Washington to pass.
“There’s no doubt there’s certain coverages that teams aren’t willing to play when you have guys like that on the field,” Washington offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury said. “So they can definitely help open things up.”
Jayden Daniels Can’t Stay Healthy But Still Playing At Elite Level
Daniels, who had a historic rookie campaign, is dealing with one of the more unfortunate sophomore slumps due to injuries. He missed two games earlier in the year with a left knee sprain and suffered a low-grade hamstring strain in his right leg during a Week 7 game against the Dallas Cowboys. Quinn said an MRI confirmed it was not significant or long-term, but nonetheless he was ruled out for Monday to focus on rehab.
GettyARLINGTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 19: Jayden Daniels #5 of the Washington Commanders celebrates a touchdown during a game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on October 19, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Last season, Daniels had 3,568 yards passing for 25 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He had a completion percentage of 69% and a passer rating of 100.1. He also added 891 yard rushing for six touchdowns in route to being named Rookie of the Year, and floated as an MVP candidate.
So far this season, Daniels has played in five games and his production, when healthy, is still elite. He has thrown for 1,031 yards, completing 61% of his passes with eight touchdowns and just one interception. His passer rating stands at 97.7. Additionally, Daniels has rushed for 211 yards and a touchdown.
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