As the Washington Commanders gear up for their Week 3 showdown against the Las Vegas Raiders, the focus has shifted to the status of their star quarterback, Jayden Daniels. After a challenging outing against the Green Bay Packers, where he faced relentless pressure and endured four sacks, Daniels suffered a sprained knee in the latter stages of the game. Although he managed to finish the contest, an MRI the following day raised concerns about his availability for the upcoming match.
Jayden Daniels #5 of the Washington Commanders celebrates during an NFL preseason football game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Northwest Stadium on August 18, 2025 in Landover, Maryland.
Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images/Getty Images
This past Wednesday, coach Dan Quinn provided an update on Daniels’ condition. “We’re going to be smart, not just fast,” Quinn emphasized, underlining the importance of a careful approach to Daniels’ recovery.
#Commanders coach Dan Quinn said that while Jayden Daniels had a good rehab session for his knee sprain, he won’t practice until Friday at the earliest. Another sign that Marcus Mariota could very well be starting.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 17, 2025
Quinn noted that although Daniels had a productive rehab session, the possibility of him not practicing until at least Friday points towards the likelihood that backup quarterback Marcus Mariota might take the reins against Las Vegas. A potential start for Mariota would also mark a homecoming of sorts, as he spent the 2020-2022 seasons with the Raiders.
Historically, Mariota has proved to be a reliable backup option. Last year, in spot starts for the Commanders, he showcased his skill set, completing an impressive 34 of 44 passes for 364 yards and four touchdowns. With his talents aligning well with the expectations of offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, Mariota can likely step right into the starting role if needed.
Despite hoping for Daniels’ return, Quinn’s focus remains on ensuring the quarterback’s health. “The key right now is to bring him back in a smart way, not a fast way,” he reiterated. There are valid concerns about Daniels’ ability to withstand the rigors of the NFL, particularly given his history of taking hard hits. In his final year at LSU, he faced considerable punishment that raised eyebrows among scouts and coaches alike.
Daijahn Anthony lays a big hit on Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels to force a fumble in Ole Miss’ 2023 win over LSU. pic.twitter.com/pz9pvGQfdG
— College Football Dude (@Football_Dude84) May 7, 2025
In the offseason, the Commanders made significant efforts to bolster their offensive line, highlighted by the acquisition of left tackle Laremy Tunsil. Despite these improvements, the offensive line has shown vulnerabilities, having allowed Daniels to be sacked a total of seven times over the course of two games. This raises questions about the overall effectiveness of the line in protecting their quarterback, particularly one with Daniels’ style of play.
As fans await news regarding Daniels’ fitness ahead of Sunday’s clash with the Raiders, it’s likely that clarity will emerge by Friday. However, given the nature of inter-conference games and Quinn’s cautious tone, indications suggest the team might be prepping for Mariota to lead the charge.
For more on the Washington Commanders and the NFL, visit Newsweek Sports.