Week 13: Terry McLaurin, Washington Commanders

Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin, who had missed seven of the team’s previous eight games because of injuries, has been named the DC Touchdown Club Pro Football Player of the Week after he returned to the lineup and nearly helped the Commanders topple the AFC West-leading Denver Broncos.

McLaurin, who was supposed to be on a limited snap count, turned in a gutty performance. He caught seven passes for 96 yards, including a three-yard touchdown pass on fourth-and-goal in overtime that pulled the Commanders within one point. Their subsequent two-point attempt was unsuccessful, allowing the Broncos to escape with their ninth consecutive win, 27-26.

“No matter what the record is, no matter what the score is, I just come out and give my all,” McLaurin said. “Just to come out and make plays and be trusted by my teammates is the ultimate.”

It has been a frustrating season for McLaurin, who had posted more than 1,000 yards receiving in each of the previous five seasons. He held out of training camp before signing a three-year, $96 million contract extension. But McLaurin was injured Sept. 21 against Las Vegas and returned Oct. 27 against Kansas City only to be reinjured in that game.

Back in the lineup Sunday night, McLaurin was supposed to be limited to 25 plays, but he later told reporters he knew he could and would play more if the game was close.

“He’s a special player,” Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota said. “The more that we can get him the rock, he’s going to make plays for us.”