ASHBURN — Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin and defensive end Chase Young expressed optimism on Wednesday that they will be available to play in Sunday’s season opener against the Arizona Cardinals.
Both players were limited in Wednesday’s practice, but McLaurin (turf toe) and Young (stinger) said they were feeling much better after sustaining injuries during the preseason. McLaurin got injured on August 21 against the Baltimore Ravens, while Young was hurt in Washington’s preseason debut in Cleveland on August 11.
McLaurin and Young will need final clearance from Washington’s medical staff, but the progress they have made over the past few days is an encouraging sign. McLaurin stated, “I’m feeling pretty good. I’m confident with where things are right now, and I’m just going to continue to try to have a good day tomorrow, see how I feel waking up after today and take it from there. I’m a fighter, so I want to be out there with my guys.”
“I’m ready to go,” said Young.
Young mentioned that he has been cleared for contact but has one final remote doctor’s appointment to attend. He believes that he will be playing against the Cardinals.
McLaurin also took a positive tone, saying that he needs to see how his body feels for the rest of the week in response to practicing. He has been careful not to risk reinjuring his toe and mentioned that there are ways to support his foot by taping his toes or wearing orthotics.
Young and McLaurin were listed on Washington’s injury report along with wide receiver Dax Milne, who aggravated a groin injury in the Commanders’ preseason finale. If Milne is unavailable, Washington may turn to Jamison Crowder for return duties. Crowder, a former Washington player, was signed to the practice squad on Wednesday.
Commanders coach Ron Rivera said that Crowder would be an option if Milne is unable to play. As for McLaurin and Young, their availability will depend on upcoming doctor visits. Rivera mentioned that McLaurin’s workload would increase on Thursday, while Young has scripted reps to participate in.
“It’s going to be all up to what happens with the doctor visit that he has coming up soon, and we’ll go from there,” Rivera said of Young. “But the young man is champing at the bit. He’s done everything that he possibly could, probably, and he’s getting himself ready to play. If he’s cleared, he will go.”
Unique Perspective: The potential return of Terry McLaurin and Chase Young for the season opener is a positive development for the Washington Commanders. Both players are crucial to the team’s success, with McLaurin being a talented wide receiver and Young being a dominant pass rusher. Their presence on the field will significantly boost the Commanders’ chances of victory in their first game of the season against the Arizona Cardinals. Fans can look forward to seeing these two dynamic players showcase their skills once again.
