Is Terry McLaurin Playing in the Bengals-Commanders Preseason Game? Latest on the Star WR’s Status

Each week, the drama between Terry McLaurin and the Washington Commanders grows. The tensions stemming from the wide receiver’s contract standoff with the franchise remain, and uncertainty hangs over the team as it prepares for its second preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

McLaurin has not taken part in the Commanders’ preseason program and sat out the team’s first preseason game. Here’s his status for Week 2 and whether he will suit up this time.

Will Terry McLaurin Play Against the Cincinnati Bengals?
McLaurin’s situation with the Commanders is tough to sort out, as it involves two sides firmly holding their ground. McLaurin wants to feel more valued, while Washington acknowledges that but views his asking price as too high.

That standoff has shaped McLaurin’s availability throughout the offseason, leading to a minicamp holdout that turned into a hold-in during the preseason. He reported to the team at the end of July and was placed on the PUP list with an ankle injury. On Saturday, August 16, he was activated from that list.

We have activated WR Terry McLaurin off the Active/Physically Unable to Perform List pic.twitter.com/ngMWBkjLsA

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) August 16, 2025

This means the Commanders can now involve him in team activities, but it’s highly unlikely he’ll play against the Bengals, as he missed the team’s final practice before the game, also on Saturday.

The contract dispute suggests he won’t take the field until a new deal is in place, since he has no contract with Washington beyond 2025, and an injury could hurt his future payday.

The Bengals vs. Commanders game kicks off at 8:00 p.m. ET at Northwest Stadium in Landover and will be broadcast on ESPN.

What Stands Between a New Deal for McLaurin and the Commanders?
McLaurin has been Washington’s top player in recent seasons. While he hasn’t become a leaguewide star, for the Commanders he has been the reliable source of production even through poor offenses and dysfunctional situations.

In 2024, his game finally took off with the arrival of Jayden Daniels. He posted a career-high 13 touchdowns and his third-best yardage total with 1,096. With Washington no longer a draft cellar-dweller but an NFC contender, the need for a new deal became clear.

Adam Schefter says that the #Commanders and Terry McLaurin are in “status quo” and not close to a deal at this time. pic.twitter.com/QSYLn9lPPr

— brandon (@JayDanielsMVP) August 18, 2025

However, as Adam Schefter reports, we’re approaching the end of the preseason with no signs of an agreement being reached. McLaurin has voiced frustration with how the Commanders have handled negotiations and with their lack of interest in securing his future.

His asking price is over $30 million per year, which seems reasonable in today’s market. But the structure and length of the contract may be sticking points, keeping Washington from moving forward. Even with Daniels on a rookie deal, McLaurin is 30 years old, and the team is approaching the situation cautiously.

A trade would be the worst outcome for both sides right now. McLaurin hasn’t had a preseason to prepare for the year, and Washington is counting on him to keep the offense at its 2024 level. Losing him could stall Daniels’ development, the worst-case scenario for the team at this stage.