Terry McLaurin entered the 2024 NFL season with the highest expectations of his career — and with good reason.
For the first time in his career, McLaurin was paired with a player believed to be a quality NFL quarterback. Jayden Daniels — the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and the reigning Heisman Trophy winner — was expected to rely heavily on McLaurin to help turn Washington's offense into a competent unit.
The very early returns on that partnership aren't quite panning out, and that has worried fantasy football owners in Week 1.
Here's what to know about McLaurin's first game with Daniels and how the two are connecting early during their partnership.
Is Terry McLaurin playing in Week 1 vs. Buccaneers?
Yes, McLaurin is playing in Week 1 against the Buccaneers. He just wasn't able to get involved in the offense much during the first half, as the Commanders struggled to pass the ball.
Jayden Daniels completed just 5-of-8 passes in the first half for 46 yards. Most of his completions went to running backs, and Luke McCaffrey was the only wide receiver to catch a pass from Daniels. It went for a zero-yard gain.
McLaurin was targeted once by Daniels in the first half but wasn't able to catch the ball, as he was well-covered on the play. The Commanders will likely look to get him the ball early and often after halftime to try to jumpstart their rookie quarterback and passing game.
Terry McLaurin stats today
McLaurin had just one target in the first half against the Buccaneers. He failed to catch it.
McLaurin averaged 4.6 catches and 58.9 yards per game last season while paired with Sam Howell as his starting quarterback. Daniels, the No. 2 overall pick, should eventually help McLaurin to reach similar averages — if not better.
