The Green Bay Packers' nightmarish early-season schedule just became a little more daunting.
While the focus has understandably shifted to the Packers' crucial opener against the Detroit Lions a week from Sunday, it's easy to forget about a blockbuster showdown awaiting them on Thursday Night Football four days later.
Green Bay hosts the Washington Commanders in Week 2, and they now have a Terry McLaurin problem.
After an offseason-long headache, the Commanders have finally handed McLaurin a new deal. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, McLaurin lands a three-year extension worth $96 million. Only 17 days separate his new contract and the Commanders' visit to Lambeau Field.
Packers' challenge against the Commanders just became more challenging after Terry McLaurin extension
McLaurin's extension raises the challenge facing the Packers in a little over two weeks.
He is a difference-maker in Washington's offense, catching 82 passes for 1,096 yards and 13 touchdowns last season.
The veteran will test the middle of the Packers' secondary. While practice sessions must always be taken with a grain of salt, it's still worth mentioning that Jaxon Smith-Njigba dominated against Green Bay's defense during last week's joint practices. Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley will need a plan for McLaurin.
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That's only part of the problem. His return raises the level of Washington's offense, but Green Bay already had to prepare for quarterback Jayden Daniels, whose phenomenal rookie season led his team to the doorstep of the Super Bowl. Then there is new addition Deebo Samuel and rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt, who has played so well this summer that the Commanders felt comfortable moving on from Brian Robinson Jr.
It's a cinematic matchup between two of the NFC's best teams. The Packers will get the home-field advantage, which is beneficial on a short week, but they will have just gone to battle with a physical Lions team only four days earlier.
Seventeen is the number. That's how many days stand between McLaurin signing a new deal and his Commanders visiting the Packers. Is that enough time for McLaurin to get up to speed and reach midseason form?
Only time will answer that question, but the Packers now have one more problem to worry about.