Commanders clear star player to play vs. Cardinals
The speculation surrounding whether or not Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin will play against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 officially ended on Friday. And the verdict is in: Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, he'll play. This is also excellent news for both the Commanders and especially their young signal-caller in Sam Howell. McLaurin […]
The speculation surrounding whether or not Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin will play against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 officially ended on Friday.
And the verdict is in: Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, he'll play.
This is also excellent news for both the Commanders and especially their young signal-caller in Sam Howell. McLaurin is easily the best receiver on a roster with two other solid wideouts in Jahan Dotson and Curtis Samuel, so it's easy to see why avoiding even an injury designation is a big deal.
McLaurin injured his toe in a preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens and has been rehabbing it ever since. It was officially labeled as a turf toe injury, but reports stated the former third-rounder' rehab had been going well and that's obviously the case.
Commanders receivers should have a nice day vs. Cardinals secondary
In terms of a straight-up matchup that doesn't involve anyone else on the field – the Commanders receivers should have a good amount of success against a subpar Cardinals secondary.
Starting outside corner, Marco Wilson, is a two-year starter that had a nice sophomore campaign with three interceptions and 10 PBUs and nickelback Antonio Hamilton seems to have finally found a home after bouncing around the league for 4-5 years. But they are still average players, right now, and the trio of McLaurin, Dotson, and Samuel match up very well with them.
The other starting outside spot is still up for grabs and it's a battle between sixth-round rookie, Kei'Trel Clark, and last year's seventh-rounder, Christian Matthews. Whomever lines up across from them should have a nice day.
Granted, the Cardinals do have one of the NFL's best safeties in Budda Baker roaming the backfield, but he's only one guy. The Commanders' skill players will stretch him to the point where big plays will still be available, even if he's in the area.
Week 1 should be a fun day for the Commanders and their fans.
Commanders give an old friend a chance to keep playing football
The eight-year veteran receives another chance after he was released by the Giants.
Featured image via Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
