The Washington Commanders have confirmed Jayden Daniels will play against the New York Giants in Week 5 of the 2026 NFL season. However, the fate of star wide receiver Terry McLaurin remained uncertain until now. Just as initially reported, his status was in doubt until minutes before kickoff at Northwest Stadium.
“WR Terry McLaurin will be active today. Likely not a full go but suited up and ready to play against the Giants,” Mike Garafolo of ESPN reported on his X account.
The Giants have both starting cornerbacks, Greg Newsome and Deonte Banks, fully healthy and active, so if McLaurin couldn’t play, it could’ve been disastrous for Daniels upon his return to NFL action. Considering there are question marks around Daniels’ left elbow, McLaurin not being at 100 per cent, either, is far from ideal for the, still undefeated at home, 1-3 Commanders.
McLaurin’s game log
McLaurin missed Week 4 of the 2026 NFL campaign when the Commanders fell to the Indianapolis Colts in London, but he will be back in action in Week 5. All week long, it was reported his role would be a true game-time decision for Washington upon return to Landover, Maryland, and it was. According to reports, McLaurin will be in for a limited role even though he’s been cleared to play.
Terry McLaurin #17 of the Washington Commanders.
“Even if [McLaurin] does play today, expect his snaps to be limited. Dan Quinn said the wet field and rainy conditions won’t be a factor in the decision,” as reported by Mike Garafolo on his X account.
Commanders’ WR depth chart
Whether McLaurin suited up or not for the Commanders, it’s clear the home team would face a steep climb at home in rainy conditions. The same conditions in which New York has won two games in a row after losing Jaxson Dart to injury in Week 2.
Stefon Diggs has been ruled out for Week 5 with a hamstring injury, further complicating things. With ‘Scary Terry’ activated, the WR depth chart for Dan Quinn’s offense includes: McLaurin, Treylon Burks, Dyami Brown, and Luke McCaffrey. If McLaurin couldn’t play, Washington would have had a limited, three-man wide receivers’ room to face the Giants.
Key takeaways
- Terry McLaurin is active, but could play in a limited capacity in Week 5 against New York.
- Jayden Daniels left elbow concerns exist alongside weather challenges in Washington’s return home.
- Stefon Diggs is ruled out for Week 5 with a hamstring injury.
