Since the Washington Commanders began OTAs late last month, they’ve been without their top offensive player in wide receiver Terry McLaurin. McLaurin, who was present for the earlier phases of the offseason program, chose to skip the voluntary OTAs while his contract situation remains unresolved.
Next week, the Commanders will hold their minicamp before breaking for training camp later next month. McLaurin is the only player to miss all of the OTAs, but head coach Ron Rivera expects his star wide receiver in town next week.
“I expect all our players to be here because it is mandatory,” Rivera said.
Defensive tackle Daron Payne has been present throughout OTAs but has declined to participate in on-field workouts. Payne, like McLaurin, is also a free agent at the end of the 2022 season.
McLaurin is a team leader, and it would be unlike him to skip any mandatory work. However, if he did, would that indicate how negotiations are going with Washington for a new long-term contract?
We’ll see next week.