Washington Commanders‘ WR Terry McLaurin picked up his tempo with each game since the season started. In 3 games, he had 10 receptions for 149 yards but no scores. Since he injured his quadriceps in week 4, they have been using other receivers to fill the big role. Head coach Dan Quinn did not put the receiver on the injured reserve (IR) list, hoping for a comeback against the Cowboys. But that’s not going to happen.

On the October 17 episode of The Rich Eisen Show, the NFL insider Tom Pelissero explained how the week went for the franchise. “Terry McLaren thought he had an opportunity to play in a really big game on Sunday against the Cowboys…clearly did not feel right in practice on Wednesday. That’s why they ended up holding him out on Thursday. Now officially ruled out for this game,” he explained. That’s what happened, but for the Commanders, it’s a major setback.

In his absence, they lost 2 of 3 games. It becomes a troubling spot to find the top target as Deebo Samuel is also dealing with a heel injury. He is their top receiver in 2025, with 34 receptions for 315 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns. He has led their receivers in 3 of 6 games. But he also did not practice on Wednesday and Thursday’s (October 16) practice sessions. Friday had good news as he was spotted in the initial sessions.

However, he admitted that his heel injury has been aggravating, and he was also not confirmed for the Cowboys clash. With Terry McLaurin out, the Commanders are already looking at a depleted receiving corps. Add Samuel’s issues, and things take a wild turn. In that scenario, they could turn out WR Luke McCaffrey and TE Zach Ertz.

Ertz already has 20 receptions for 192 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns, while McCaffrey has also scored the same number of TDs in 8 receptions for 179 receiving yards in 6 games. But the veterans brought an edge that they need against America’s Team.

Terry McLaurin’s counterpart set to return in week 7

Just like Commanders have missed Terry McLaurin, the Cowboys have also missed their WR1 CeeDee Lamb. In 3 games, he recorded 16 receptions for 222 yards without any touchdowns. But now, he’s ready to play again and will line up in week 7. He would have returned in the week 6 game against Carolina Panthers, but the team decided to rest him. He is now at his 100%.

That will be a great boost for QB Dak Prescott is carrying a tremendous burden this year. America’s Team has gone 3 decades without Super Bowl or a NFC Championship appearance. He is playing without fear, leading the team with heart. Against Commanders sophomore QB Jayden Daniels, he has an edge.

Prescott has completed 71.6% of his passes, going 164 for 229 with 1,617 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions. He’s averaging 269.5 passing yards per game with a 104.6 passer rating. He’s also been sacked 7 times for a loss of 36 yards. Jayden Daniels, on the other hand, has completed 62.1% of his throws, going 77 for 124 with 875 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 1 interception. He’s averaging 218.8 yards per game, with a 98.7 passer rating. He’s been sacked 11 times, losing 53 yards. Through six games, Dak Prescott has clearly been the more efficient passer compared to Jayden Daniels.

Though the Commanders are placed 2nd in the NFC East division, the pressure is more on them. The Cowboys are hoping for an improved performance with all their top weapons. Can Dan Quinn get an upset victory? We’ll see.

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