Van Jefferson activated amid Terry McLaurin's move to IR
Washington puts Terry McLaurin on injured reserve and signs Van Jefferson to the active roster from the practice squad.
Update: Washington puts Terry McLaurin on injured reserve and signs Van Jefferson to the active roster from the practice squad.
The Commanders placed Terry McLaurin on injured reserve on Wednesday, filling his roster spot with Van Jefferson from the practice squad.
What happened
Washington announced the move on Wednesday. McLaurin tore his patellar tendon against the 49ers, and the team now turns toward 2027 for his return, according to ProFootballTalk.
Jefferson has appeared in one game this season. He replaces McLaurin on the roster.
Context
McLaurin finishes his 2026 season with 46.0 PPR points in five games: 15 catches on 27 targets for 230 yards and one touchdown. He was tagged as out by Sleeper and had been dropped in 116,748 leagues in the last 24 hours.
Jefferson has played 5% of Washington’s offensive snaps this season.
Timeline
On October 21, Fantasy Football Desk reported McLaurin was out for the season with a torn left patellar tendon, confirmed by coach Dan Quinn the afternoon after a Week 6 loss to the 49ers. He was carted off the field after a leg injury, wearing an air cast on his left leg.
On October 28, it was reported the Commanders had placed McLaurin on injured reserve, after the injury suffered during Washington’s Week 6 game against San Francisco.
Depth chart
Stefon Diggs leads Washington’s wide receivers with 69.4 PPR points in five games. Antonio Williams has 44.5 PPR points in six games, and Treylon Burks has 36.2 in five.
Jefferson now joins the active roster, but the depth chart from Sleeper lists him sixth among wide receivers.
What’s next
Washington hosts the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, November 1 in Week 8.
🏈 Fantasy impact
McLaurin’s absence leaves 27 targets over five games to redistribute. Stefon Diggs (69.4 PPR points) and Antonio Williams (44.5) are the primary beneficiaries, with Diggs projected for 11.7 PPR points in Week 8. Treylon Burks (36.2) could also see more volume. Van Jefferson has just one appearance and 5% snap share, so he is not a recommended add outside of deep leagues. For Week 8 against the Eagles, start Diggs and Williams; drop McLaurin in redraft leagues and add Diggs if available.
Quick answers
Why was Terry McLaurin placed on injured reserve?
McLaurin tore his patellar tendon against the 49ers, and the Commanders placed him on injured reserve.
Who will replace Terry McLaurin for the Commanders?
Van Jefferson was signed to the active roster from the practice squad, but Stefon Diggs and Antonio Williams lead the depth chart at wide receiver.