# Washington Commanders' Luke McCaffrey Faces Make-or-Break Moment

> Washington Commanders wide receiver Luke McCaffrey's offensive role hangs in the balance after Terry McLaurin's season-ending knee injury.
- Title: Washington Commanders' Luke McCaffrey Faces Make-or-Break…
- Summary: Washington Commanders wide receiver Luke McCaffrey's offensive role hangs in the balance after Terry McLaurin's season-ending knee injury.
- Keywords: washington commanders, luke mccaffrey, terry mc laurin, nfl, commanders, knee injury, offensive snaps, sports, Washington, Commanders', Luke, McCaffrey
- Source: Washington Commanders On SI — https://si.com/nfl/commanders/onsi/commanders-luke-mccaffrey-terry-mclaurin-injury
- Published: 2026-10-22T15:35:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: washington commanders, luke mccaffrey, terry mc laurin, nfl, commanders, knee injury, offensive snaps, sports
## Terry McLaurin's injury
Terry McLaurin played seven snaps in the 49ers game before leaving with a knee injury that ended his season.
## Luke McCaffrey's early role
Luke McCaffrey played eight offensive snaps, his first through six weeks, and got his first target on one of Daniels' few inaccurate passes.
## McCaffrey's 2025 season
McCaffrey finished 2025 with 11 catches for 203 yards and three touchdowns before a broken collarbone ended his season after nine games.
## Offensive coordinator's view
Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury said: 'I think he’s settled in now, and we have full confidence where we put him that he’s going to go make a play.'

> I think he’s settled in now, and we have full confidence where we put him that he’s going to go make a play.
## Draft pick and current role
General Manager Adam Peters used a 3rd-round pick on Luke McCaffrey (pick 100 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft), but he has been inactive this season in Weeks 1, 2, and 4.
## Special teams performance
McCaffrey has returned eight kickoffs for 203 yards and has yet to catch a pass this season.
## Opposition stats
Against San Francisco, Antonio Williams played 45 offensive snaps, Stefon Diggs 41, Treylon Burks 37, and Dyami Brown 33.
## Father's advice
McCaffrey's father, Ed McCaffrey, said: 'As a wide receiver, you can’t control your playing time and you can’t throw yourself the football.

> As a wide receiver, you can’t control your playing time and you can’t throw yourself the football. As a receiver, you have to be very patient, and you have to be ready for the opportunities that you get. When you get them, you really have to make them count.
## Key takeaway

Washington Commanders wide receiver Luke McCaffrey may get a larger offensive role after Terry McLaurin's season-ending knee injury.