The Detroit Lions are focused on an NFC North matchup with the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. But the Lions will have another important matchup when they travel to face the Washington Commanders in Week 10.
The Commanders’ offense already got a boost as quarterback Jayden Daniels will return on Sunday night against the Seattle Seahawks. But while one important piece may make the Lions’ matchup a little more difficult, the Commanders lost another key player when wide receiver Terry McLaurin reportedly suffered a setback while recovering from a quad and hip flexor injury.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, McLaurin will not play against the Seahawks due to the injury and could miss next Sunday’s matchup with the Lions.
“My understanding is he is expected to be out next week as well,” Rapoport said during a Sunday morning appearance on NFL Network. “They have a bye after that, so there is a possibility McLaurin misses three games here for Washington.”
Lions Catch a Break as Commanders WR Terry McLaurin Faces Extended Absence
McLaurin’s timeline makes sense for the Commanders. The setback was significant enough that he has been ruled out of Sunday’s game without even testing the injury during warmups, and Rapoport makes it sound like it has already been decided that he’ll sit out against the Lions. Even if there was a chance, Rapoport's suggestion that he could miss the Commanders' Week 11 matchup against the Miami Dolphins in Madrid hints Washington is leaning toward a prolonged shutdown, which greatly benefits Detroit next Sunday.
The Lions' defense has been one of the most consistent parts of this year’s team and has thrived against the pass. Detroit entered Sunday ranked ninth in the NFL with 5.7 net yards per attempt allowed, and that stat is more impressive considering that defensive backs D.J. Reed, Terrion Arnold, and Kerby Joseph have all missed time due to injury, while Brian Branch also missed a game due to a suspension.
With Arnold returning on Sunday afternoon, the Lions' secondary got a big boost and could get another one as Reed is eligible to return to practice next week. But Detroit will also welcome the absence of McLaurin, who has been one of the league’s best receivers since entering the league in 2019, ranking 11th in receiving yards (6,582), 13th in receptions (473), and 15th in receiving touchdowns (39) before Sunday's action.
McLaurin’s 2025 season hasn’t gone well, with 13 catches for 203 yards and a touchdown over four games. But the Lions will still be happy if the Commanders’ top playmaker doesn’t see the field next Sunday.