Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels suffered a left knee injury last Thursday, putting his participation in Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders in doubt, according to coach Dan Quinn confirmed on Monday. Quinn did not specify the nature of Daniels’ injury, but sources close to him indicated that it is a sprain. The coach stated that Daniels is “day-to-day”, adding that he still doesn’t know what this means for Sunday. Daniels, who was the Offensive Rookie of the Year last season, injured his knee in the 27-18 loss against Green Bay. After the game, he was seen with an ice pack on his knee and limping off the field. A day later, an MRI revealed no major damage. The injury occurred on the first play of the final quarter, when Packers defensive end Micah Parsons pursued Daniels to the left. While attempting a cut, safety Javon Bullard impacted his left knee with his helmet. Quinn stated that Daniels must meet “all requirements” in his recovery before the Commanders put him back in action.
The coach also said that the team wants to make sure Daniels can “be himself”, recognizing that his running ability is crucial in his game. In the two games this season, Daniels has thrown for 433 yards and three touchdowns, as well as running for an additional 85 yards.We know how important it is.
Dan Quinn
If Daniels can’t play, it would be the first game he misses in his career. He left in the first quarter of the Week 7 victory against the Carolina Panthers due to a rib injury. He did not play in the second half of the last regular season game against the Dallas Cowboys due to “mild leg pain”, according to Quinn. In the event that Daniels is unable to play, Marcus Mariota would be the starter, facing one of his former teams. Mariota replaced Daniels in both games last season and completed 33 of 41 passes for 366 yards and four touchdowns.It starts with the strength, the movements. Then, on the field, the change of direction, the pivot, the movement, all of that. We’ll take it as it comes during the week, but he would have to overcome all the steps this week to reach those goals. The speed, the stop, the change of direction, all of that.
Dan Quinn
Thursday’s defeat proved costly for Washington, who also lost two starters to season-ending injuries: running back Austin Ekeler (Achilles tendon) and defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr. (quadriceps). Two other Commanders players left with groin injuries: receiver Noah Brown and tight end John Bates, and cornerback Jonathan Jones retired with a hamstring injury. Quinn labeled Brown and Bates as “doubtful” for Sunday, but added that he will know more later in the week. Washington placed Ekeler and Wise on the injured reserve list on Monday and signed veteran receiver Chris Moore and defensive end Jalyn Holmes from their practice squad. Running back Chase Edmonds was added to the practice squad. Last season, the Commanders only had one starter who missed up to nine games: defensive tackle Jonathan Allen. Health played a key role in the Commanders’ 12-5 season and their qualification for the NFC Championship.We’ll decide on Friday, and we’ll have a good idea of where we stand. He’s an elite competitor. Our confidence in him is total.
Dan Quinn
