The Washington Commanders’ season prospects hinge significantly on the progress of wide receiver Terry McLaurin’s contract extension, as the team navigates a hold-in during training camp. Alongside Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson, McLaurin’s hold-in status due to ongoing contract talks has delayed his full participation in practice, raising questions about the timing and impact of his return.
Both players, essential to their teams’ Super Bowl ambitions, have opted to withhold full participation as they negotiate new deals, influencing their pre-season preparation. Their eventual reintegration will be crucial for their squads as the regular season approaches.
The Impact of McLaurin and Hendrickson’s Hold-In Status on Training Camp
Terry McLaurin and Trey Hendrickson have been notable absences during early training camp sessions due to contract extension negotiations. Despite plans to be available for their teams, neither player reported alongside veteran teammates initially, officially marking them as hold-ins.
Commanders coach Dan Quinn addressed the situation by framing it as a common aspect of <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL business, stating,
“It’s part of the business of the NFL and I don’t judge it or get too worked up about it,”
and added,
“The longer you’ve been in it, the more you recognize that’s just part of how things go.”
Both McLaurin and Hendrickson are veterans expected to enter their 30th year by September and have been sidelined from full practice. Their absence from team drills marks a strategic pause while contract discussions proceed.
Why McLaurin’s Role Is Vital for the Commanders’ Offensive Rhythm
Terry McLaurin has been a key offensive weapon for Washington, consistently surpassing 1,000 receiving yards over the last five seasons and ranking second in touchdown receptions across the league last year. His rapport with quarterback Jayden Daniels stood out even in early training camp interactions, with synchronized reads of coverages hinting at the speed and efficiency of their connection.
McLaurin missed time due to an ankle injury sustained late during the previous season, which led the team to place him on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. This limited him to participating in meetings and rehabbing rather than on-field workouts.
Washington’s offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury spoke to the importance of on-field training time, noting,
“It’s just time on task, and luckily they had last year to build a lot of rapport and chemistry,”
and emphasized,
“Terry understands our system, so that should expedite the process. But it’s time on task together on the grass is really the only way that you can continue to build.”
Since recently being activated off the PUP list, McLaurin faces the challenge of regaining full game shape, especially given Washington’s run-heavy use of no-huddle pace offense. In 2024, the Commanders led the NFL with 677 no-huddle plays but averaged a rapid 38.3 seconds of Wall Clock Time per Play, second only to Dallas.
Receivers coach Bobby Engram, a former NFL wide receiver, highlighted the variability of the rehabilitation timelines, saying,
“Terry and Jayden made a lot of plays last year and last year doesn’t carry over,”
and added,
“I can’t say a blanket, ‘Hey, it’s going to be two weeks [to get up to speed]. I think each individual guy is different.”
Comparing the Bengals’ Experience With Holdouts to Washington
The Cincinnati Bengals have recent experience managing a star hold-in with wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, who missed all of training camp the previous year but later delivered a dominant season. This precedent suggests that both the Bengals and Commanders remain hopeful that their hold-in stars will regain form quickly once back on the field.
Trey Hendrickson, coming off his best professional season with a league-leading 17.5 sacks and first All-Pro nod, has remained committed to maintaining conditioning during his hold-in. He was seen putting in early morning recovery work upon his mid-camp return and has been actively mentoring young teammates like rookie edge rusher Shemar Stewart.
Stewart described Hendrickson’s approach, saying,
“We’re two different people, we’re two different body types,”
and recounted,
“So, he would tell me how he thinks I should do it to make it work for me.”
Joseph Ossai, a Bengals defensive end, expressed confidence in Hendrickson’s readiness and impact once he returns, stating,
“There’s a different ferocity when he’s on the field, and I expect him to hit the ground running,”
and continued,
“I expect him to hit the ground viciously and make an impact from the get-go.”
Contract Discrepancies Fueling Hold-In Decisions
Both Hendrickson and McLaurin are playing on contracts that have not kept pace with their recent success. Hendrickson’s $16 million cash earnings lag behind comparable players like Danielle Hunter, despite similar ages and production. Meanwhile, McLaurin is in the final year of his current deal, ranking lower in annual salary compared to peers.
The hold-in strategies reflect the players’ desire for contracts that align with their performances, while teams balance cap considerations and roster construction. How quickly agreements are reached could directly influence both players’ availability and, by extension, their teams’ prospects.
Potential Effects of Holdouts on the Season and Team Chemistry
The Commanders and Bengals face a pressing need to integrate McLaurin and Hendrickson back into their rosters to maintain competitive momentum. Washington recently reached its first NFC Championship Game since 1991, marked by strong offensive performances where McLaurin was a key contributor.
Bengals coach Zac Taylor acknowledged the challenge of adjusting mid-season, stating on August 10,
“You look around the league, it’s most teams,”
and added,
“You keep the train moving and make sure everybody is up to speed. When you get that player back, whoever it is, however long they’ve been here, it’s always different.”
Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson noted the importance of star player presence, explaining,
“You can always say it doesn’t have an impact, but I think any team would always say, you want your star players out there in some form or fashion, whatever that is,”
and qualified,
“I’m glad [Hendrickson] is at least holding in versus holding out. Would we like him out in the field? Absolutely. But he’s working on the business side of things. That’s part of playing in this league.”
McLaurin expressed confidence in his ability to maintain production despite the delayed start, stating,
“They trust and know I’ve been putting the work in,”
and added,
“Whenever it’s my time to step on the field I’m going to continue to be who I’ve been and continue to get better.”
Looking Ahead: The Importance of Resolution for Championship Aspirations
With the regular season looming, the resolution of Terry McLaurin’s contract extension and his health recovery will be essential for the Commanders’ offensive potency. Likewise, Hendrickson’s contract situation influences the Bengals’ defensive strength. Both teams hope their negotiations conclude swiftly to restore full rosters for sustained championship contention.
Their upcoming preseason game at Northwest Stadium will highlight the absence of these star players and underscore the urgency behind these hold-in negotiations. Coaching staffs must balance patience with preparation as they await the full return of McLaurin and Hendrickson, whose contributions remain key to their teams’ success this season.