The Washington Commanders suffered a tough loss last Thursday night when they were taken down by the Green Bay Packers in prime time. The game result wasn’t the only loss they took, however, as quarterback Jayden Daniels is now dealing with a knee injury.
Jayden Daniels Misses Commanders Practice Again
Seven days later and with Week 3 approaching, Daniels has yet to practice, and his availability for Sunday is in question.
On Monday, Commanders head coach Dan Quinn answered questions about Daniels and his ailment. He told reporters that the second-year QB was considered “day-to-day”, and that they would be aiming for Friday for Daniels to make his return to the practice field.
For a second straight day today, Jayden Daniels isn’t practicing.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 18, 2025
So in essence, the signal caller’s absence from team activities on Wednesday and Thursday were expected. The question of whether or not he has progressed enough to be healthy for Washington’s home game against the Las Vegas Raiders still looms, however.
Quinn noted that Daniels threw on Wednesday and had a “good rehab session,” adding, “as we get into Friday, we’ll see where we’re at.” The coach also added that practice time would be mandatory for Daniels to be able to hit the field for Week 3.
Marcus Mariota Would Get The Start If Daniels Is Out
If Jayden Daniels is ultimately unable to play on Sunday, the starting job for the week would be in the hands of Marcus Matiota. The soon-to-be 32-year-old is in his 10th NFL season, and is playing for his fifth different team in the last six years. He was the backup to Jalen Hurts in Philadelphia in 2023, and joined the Commanders prior to last season and competed with the then-rookie Daniels for the starting job in training camp.
Last season, Mariota played in spot duty while backing up Daniels. He was impressive in his three relief appearances, completing 77% of his 44 passes, amassing 364 yards and 4 touchdowns. He didn’t throw an interception.
Mariota last started in 2023, when he was under center for 13 games for the Atlanta Falcons. He threw 15 touchdowns and 9 interceptions that year.
Even with the status of Jayden Daniels in question, the Commanders are home favorites for Sunday’s game. They are listed as 3.5-point favorites for the contest over the Raiders. Washington will have had nine full days off between games, while Las Vegas will have just five after playing last Monday night.
