After a big rebound victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, Dan Quinn and the Washington Commanders are now preparing to face the Atlanta Falcons this week. The biggest question looming over the team is whether injured second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels will be ready to return to the field.
What Is the Latest on Jayden Daniels’ Injury Status?
After not missing a single game during his entire rookie campaign, Jayden Daniels is now dealing with a knee sprain, his first injury as a professional. The issue kept him sidelined during the Commanders’ 41-24 win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. On Monday, Washington’s head coach, Dan Quinn, provided an update on Daniels’ recovery timeline.
“Commanders HC Dan Quinn said QB Jayden Daniels remains day-to-day due to his knee sprain,” ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter wrote on X. “Marcus Mariota playing well Sunday also buys time for Commanders and doesn’t force them to rush back Daniels before he’s ready.”
Daniels was limited in practice on Thursday and was not seen in practice on Friday. Later, it was confirmed that the Commanders’ quarterback will not play in Week 4.
Jayden Daniels is out for Sunday’s game vs. the Falcons due to his knee injury. Commanders QB Marcus Mariota will start against his former Falcons team. pic.twitter.com/VXf2UObu49
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 26, 2025
Daniels suffered the injury during the Commanders’ Thursday night loss to the Green Bay Packers in Week 2. So far this season, Daniels has completed 43 of 72 passes for 433 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions. He has also carried the ball 18 times for 85 yards and three first downs.
With Daniels out, Marcus Mariota, a former No. 2 overall draft pick, stepped in. He went 15-for-21 through the air, racking up 207 yards and a 43-yard touchdown strike to Luke McCaffery with 2:05 left in the game.
Daniels was a revelation as a rookie after being selected with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. His performance earned him the Associated Press Offensive Rookie of the Year award as he led the Commanders to a 12-5 record in the 2024 season, posting 3,568 passing yards, 25 touchdown throws, and nine interceptions. A true dual-threat, he also rushed for 891 yards and six touchdowns on 148 carries.
That rushing total broke the record for the most yards by a rookie quarterback. Additionally, Daniels joined Robert Griffin III (2012) and Kirk Cousins (2016) as the only Washington signal-callers to be named to the Pro Bowl since the turn of the century.
Last season, Quinn and Daniels led the Commanders to their first NFC Championship game appearance since 1991. Although they lost to the eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles, they hope to replicate that success this year.
Reflecting his impact, Daniels was ranked as the No. 21 player on the NFL’s Top 100 list last month.
Given his importance to the team’s future, the Commanders will be careful with how quickly they bring him back, a wise move if they want the best chance at long-term success.
