Washington Commanders Face Uncertainty as Daniels Recovers from Knee Sprain
The Washington Commanders are preparing for their Week 3 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders with growing uncertainty surrounding the availability of their star quarterback, Jayden Daniels. The rookie signal-caller suffered a sprained knee during last week’s tough loss to the Green Bay Packers, where he endured relentless pressure throughout the game. Despite the injury occurring in the second half, Daniels displayed his toughness by finishing the game, only to undergo an MRI the following day that revealed the extent of his injury. This setback comes at a challenging time for the Commanders, who are hoping to bounce back from their defeat but must now potentially do so without their offensive centerpiece.
Head coach Dan Quinn addressed the media on Wednesday, providing an update on Daniels’ condition while emphasizing a cautious approach to his recovery. “We’re going to be smart, not just fast,” Quinn stated, indicating the organization’s priority is Daniels’ long-term health rather than rushing him back prematurely. NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that while Daniels had a productive rehabilitation session, he won’t practice until Friday at the earliest—a timeline that suggests backup quarterback Marcus Mariota might be called upon to start against the Raiders. This careful handling of Daniels’ injury reflects the Commanders’ commitment to protecting their investment in the young quarterback, especially given the physical style of play that raised concerns about his durability during the pre-draft process.
If Mariota does get the starting nod on Sunday, it would mark an interesting reunion, as he previously played for the Raiders from 2020 to 2022. The former Heisman Trophy winner brings valuable experience to the table and has already proven himself capable of stepping in when needed for the Commanders. Last season, Mariota performed admirably in limited action, completing 34 of 44 passes for 364 yards and four touchdowns. His skill set aligns well with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury’s system, potentially offering a smooth transition should Daniels be sidelined. While the Commanders understandably want their franchise quarterback back in the lineup as soon as possible, Quinn’s comments suggest they recognize the importance of prioritizing a complete recovery over a hasty return.
One of the primary concerns about Daniels coming into the NFL was how his frame would hold up against professional-level punishment. Throughout his college career, particularly during his final year at LSU, Daniels absorbed numerous punishing hits while showcasing the dynamic playmaking ability that made him such an appealing prospect. A notable example circulated on social media recently, showing Daniels taking a massive hit from Daijahn Anthony during Ole Miss’s victory over LSU in 2023—exactly the type of collision NFL teams worry about when evaluating dual-threat quarterbacks. This concern about Daniels’ durability led the Commanders to invest significantly in offensive line improvements during the offseason, including acquiring accomplished left tackle Laremy Tunsil to better protect their prized quarterback.
Despite these efforts to strengthen the offensive line, the unit has struggled through the first two games of the season, allowing Daniels to be sacked seven times already. This protection issue compounds the concern about Daniels’ health and may factor into the team’s decision-making regarding his availability for Sunday’s game. The Commanders’ offensive line will need to perform better regardless of who lines up under center, as both Daniels and Mariota rely on solid protection to execute Kingsbury’s offensive scheme effectively. While the team hasn’t made an official announcement regarding Daniels’ status, Quinn’s press conference comments and the limited practice schedule suggest they’re preparing for the possibility of starting Mariota against Las Vegas.
The Commanders will likely wait until Friday to make a final determination on Daniels’ playing status, giving him maximum time to recover while also preparing Mariota for a potential start. The fact that this week’s opponent is an AFC team—meaning it has less impact on potential playoff tiebreakers—might further incline the coaching staff toward caution with their franchise quarterback. For a team building toward the future with Daniels as the centerpiece, sacrificing one game in September could prove wise if it helps ensure his availability for the remainder of the season. As the Commanders continue their preparations for Sunday, fans and fantasy football managers alike will be anxiously awaiting Friday’s practice report for clearer indications of who will be taking snaps against the Raiders.
