The Washington Commanders elevated Van Jefferson from their practice squad to the 53-man active roster Wednesday as the team adjusts to a season-ending injury to Terry McLaurin.
Roster move: Jefferson added to replace McLaurin
Van Jefferson's promotion fills the roster spot opened when Terry McLaurin was moved to injured reserve following a knee injury suffered against San Francisco. McLaurin has been ruled out for the season, creating an immediate vacancy among the Commanders' receiving options that the club addressed by bringing Jefferson up from the practice squad.
Jefferson joins the active roster after spending time on Washington's practice unit; the move was made official midweek as the team prepares for its upcoming slate of games without McLaurin available.
Eagles' injuries create ripple effects for Sunday's matchup
The shakeup comes with broader injury ramifications around the league. The Philadelphia Eagles placed Dameon Pierce on injured reserve after he left Monday's loss to Dallas injured, meaning Pierce will miss Sunday's game against Washington. To fill the opening created by Pierce's absence, the Eagles signed Jaydon Blue from their practice squad; Tank Bigsby and Will Shipley were already on injured reserve.
The Eagles' backfield changes help explain the timing of Jefferson's promotion and underscore how injury developments have reshaped both teams' rosters ahead of the weekend.
Washington's decision to promote Jefferson is a straightforward roster response to McLaurin's loss. Jefferson, now on the active roster, provides the Commanders with another experienced receiving option as they navigate the remainder of the season without McLaurin available.
