Kristina Roberts
Terry McLaurin, one of the most important players for the Washington Commanders, is back at the team’s training camp — but he won’t be practicing just yet. After skipping all the spring workouts and the first week of training camp, he finally showed up on Saturday. Fans and teammates were happy to see him again, but they were also surprised to learn that he wouldn’t be on the field. Instead, McLaurin has been placed on the “Physically Unable to Perform” list, or PUP list, because of an ankle injury.
This decision has left many people wondering what’s going on behind the scenes. Is McLaurin still unhappy about his contract? Or is his ankle really giving him that much trouble? Either way, he has shifted from what’s called a “holdout” — where a player refuses to show up at all — to a “hold-in,” which means he’s there but not taking part in practices.
McLaurin’s story is one that many young football fans can learn from. It’s not always about being the loudest or the flashiest. Sometimes, being smart and knowing when to rest is just as important as showing up to play.
McLaurin has been with the Washington Commanders since 2019. He was chosen in the third round of the NFL Draft and quickly proved that he belonged in the big league. In just six seasons, he has caught 460 passes, gained over 6,000 yards, and scored 38 touchdowns. That’s a big deal. Last season alone, he had his best year yet — 82 catches, 1,096 yards, and 13 touchdowns. These are impressive numbers, especially considering the Commanders were starting a rookie quarterback, Jayden Daniels.
Coach Dan Quinn spoke about McLaurin’s return on Sunday. “I got a chance to sit [with him] yesterday, which I was glad,” Quinn told Yahoo Sports. “He was in a very strong head space. In a good way.” That short but clear quote tells us a lot. McLaurin might be injured, but his mind is in the right place. He wants to be part of the team. He just wants to do it the smart way.
It turns out that McLaurin’s ankle has been bothering him for a while — even near the end of last season. According to Coach Quinn, “It’s not that uncommon” for ankle injuries to last longer than expected. That’s why the team has decided not to rush him back. They want him to heal completely so he can play at his best when the games really matter.
What makes this situation more interesting is McLaurin’s current contract status. He’s entering the final year of his deal, and many people thought he might skip camp to pressure the team into giving him a new contract. That’s called “holding out,” and it’s not unusual in the NFL. But by showing up and taking care of his ankle, McLaurin is showing a different kind of professionalism. He’s sending a message: “I’m here, I care about the team, but I also need to take care of myself.”
The decision to place him on the PUP list instead of the injured reserve list is also worth talking about. Players on the PUP list don’t lose their spot on the team, but they also can’t practice until they are taken off the list. The good thing? The team can remove a player from the PUP list at any time. As Coach Quinn explained, “You can come off any time. There’s not like, ‘Hey you have to be on it for this amount of time.’”
This gives the Commanders some flexibility. If McLaurin signs a new contract soon or feels better in a few days, he could return to practice right away. It’s not like injured reserve, where players usually have to stay out for weeks or even the whole season.
For now, McLaurin will be working with the medical and training staff to get back to full health. In the meantime, other wide receivers on the team are stepping up. One exciting moment from camp came when rookie wide receiver Jaylin Lane caught a 25-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Jayden Daniels. The fans cheered loudly, and it showed that the team is building strong chemistry even without McLaurin on the field.
McLaurin’s return — even if he’s not playing yet — is still a big boost for the team. His presence in the locker room, his leadership, and his experience mean a lot. Younger players can learn from him just by watching how he handles tough situations. He didn’t get mad or create drama. He showed up, spoke to the coach, and is now focusing on getting better. That’s the kind of role model every team needs.
The big question now is whether McLaurin will get a new contract before the season begins. With his past performance and current value to the team, it seems likely. But nothing is guaranteed in football. Teams have to think about the future, money, and long-term planning. Still, if McLaurin keeps showing this level of maturity, it will be hard for the Commanders not to reward him.
In the end, this is more than just a story about a player sitting out of practice. It’s a lesson in patience, professionalism, and smart decision-making. Terry McLaurin isn’t trying to make headlines — he’s trying to do what’s right for his body and his team. And that might just be the smartest move of all.
Even though fans may be hoping to see him catch touchdown passes soon, they should also be proud of how he’s handling things right now. And who knows? If everything goes well, he might be back on the field very soon, ready to make even more big plays for the US team.
