McLaurin, Lattimore, Tunsil skip Commanders’ first organized team activities

The Commanders were missing a few faces as they opened voluntary organized team activities, the third phase of the offseason program, on Wednesday. Wide receiver Terry McLaurin, cornerback Marshon Lattimore and left tackle Laremy Tunsil were all absent.

McLaurin, a two-time Pro Bowler, has discussed a new contract with the Commanders. He is entering the final season of a three-year, $68 million extension he signed in 2022, but the team did not say whether his absence was related to the deal.

The Commanders’ social team snapped photos of McLaurin during lighter workouts at the team facility earlier this offseason, but he decided not to attend Wednesday’s practice.

“I understand the business side of things,” wide receiver Deebo Samuel said. “When he stopped coming, I understand his side of the story. So, I just try not to get bothered with it and let him deal with it on his own.”

Lattimore joined the Commanders via a midseason trade with the New Orleans Saints in October and struggled with injuries throughout the season. The Commanders added Tunsil through a trade with the Houston Texans in April.

Washington coach Dan Quinn did not provide any insight into Lattimore and Tunsil’s decision to skip Wednesday’s practice.

“It’s not one-size-fits-all for everything,” he said, noting that he’s been in touch with all of his players throughout the spring. “In my opinion, this has been a fantastic offseason.”

The current phase of workouts is fully voluntary for players. The mandatory minicamp begins on June 10. Players could face fines for skipping the mandatory workouts.

The May practices are a way for players to ease back into work with their teams, though coaches avoid focusing too much on schemes or installing plays. The veterans aren’t missing much, according to offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury.

“Guys like that that have done it at such a high level for so long; they’re consummate professionals. They’re going to show up ready to go, whether it’s training camp or OTAs,” he said. “A lot of times for the younger players, it’s pretty vital to get them in here and get them comfortable.”

The organized team activities continue on Friday with four more voluntary sessions before next month’s mandatory minicamp.