When the Washington Commanders had their best season in 33 years in 2024, quarterback Jayden Daniels and wide receiver Terry McLaurin were the primary reasons for that success. Daniels had a spectacular rookie season, and he helped lead McLaurin to his best NFL season, catching a career-high 13 touchdown passes, plus three more in the playoffs.
When the Commanders struggled in 2025 and finished 5-12, Daniels and McLaurin were on the field together only three times. Daniels and McLaurin played only one complete game together, so it wasn’t surprising the offense took a significant step back.
Through the first five games this season, Daniels has missed two games and McLaurin one. In last week’s tie with the New York Giants, they returned, with McLaurin playing on an ailing hamstring and still finished with four receptions for 62 yards.
On Monday night, Daniels and McLaurin were on the field against the undefeated San Francisco 49ers, and so were Stefon Diggs and Chig Okonkwo, meaning the quarterback would have his top weapons on the field together for the first time since Week 1.
On Washington’s first drive, Daniels found McLaurin for a 27-yard completion, which set up a field goal to make it 7-3.
Unfortunately, that was the only time the two connected on Monday night; McLaurin suffered a non-contact injury in the first half and was carted off the field. It didn’t look good. His teammates surrounded him, as did a few 49ers. Daniels was seen on the ground, checking on McLaurin.
The McLaurin injury is awful but it’s cool to his teammates and old teammates like Deebo and Trent come to check on him pic.twitter.com/Xhl5CqvsNo
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) October 20, 2026
The two are close. Daniels has always expressed his respect and appreciation for McLaurin. McLaurin has also shared his appreciation for his young quarterback.
After the game, head coach Dan Quinn said the Commanders are concerned about the significance of McLaurin’s injury. That would be a brutal loss for Washington.
Afterward, Daniels shared his thoughts on McLaurin’s injury.
“You see how hard he works, and you never want to wish any injury on nobody on that field because you know how much you put into the sport that you love, your body and stuff like that,” Daniels said. "I didn’t see the full play, but praying for Terry, man. He’s been there for me through a lot since I came into this league and through the adverse times I went through last year and so far this year, he’s been right there by my side. I love Terry, man. He’s like a brother to me, and I appreciate him a lot.”
Jayden Daniels says he’s praying for Terry McLaurin- “he’s been there for me…He’s a brother to me” pic.twitter.com/xg3sz9xuKD
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) October 20, 2026
Many Washington fans echo Daniels’ sentiments on McLaurin. He’s been the heart and soul of the organization since arriving in 2019. McLaurin has been through multiple name changes, multiple regime changes, and numerous quarterback changes, and through it all, he's led by example—on and off the field—and kept putting up outstanding numbers.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders QB Jayden Daniels' somber reaction to Terry McLaurin injury