The Washington Commanders organization can breathe a collective sigh of relief: star quarterback Jayden Daniels has been medically cleared and is officially set to return as the starter for the team’s Week 5 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. The reigning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year has missed the last two games after suffering a knee sprain in Week 2, an absence that prompted the organization to preach caution and prioritize his long-term health over a quick return.
Though veteran backup Marcus Mariota capably led the team to a 1-1 record in his absence, Daniels offers an explosive capability that Washington sorely needs as it faces a difficult stretch of the schedule. The Chargers defense, however, is well-aware of the challenge, with Head Coach Jim Harbaugh calling Daniels a “great player at all facets of quarterback play.”
The matchup is a homecoming for the 24-year-old Daniels, who grew up in San Bernardino, California, just 70 miles from the stadium, and will be making his first professional appearance in his home state. With Washington already dealing with key injuries, including to top receiver Terry McLaurin (quad), Daniels’ return provides a critical boost as the Commanders look to improve their 2-2 record.
Here’s the latest on Daniels as he was officially activated on Friday.
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Is Jayden Daniels playing this week?
After missing Week 3 against the Raiders and Week 4 against the Falcons, Jayden Daniels opened practice this week with limited participation ahead of Washington’s game Sunday. The Commanders limited his participation throughout the week, and on Friday, he was deemed as good to go before Sunday’s contest in Los Angeles.
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Jayden Daniels injury update
Daniels is dealing with a sprained knee that he suffered in Week 2 against the Green Bay Packers, which forced him to miss a game in Week 3. The injury is not believed to be major, as the team just wanted to be cautious with its franchise quarterback.
Ahead of practice before Week 4, Quinn said Daniels returned to practice doing the most he could in the session.
“He is doing everything you possibly can to get there,” Quinn said, via Nicki Jhabvala.
Daniels also spoke with the media on Wednesday, saying he “felt good” and that he felt like himself during his return to practice. Additionally, Daniels added that he might need to play with a brace when he returns to action, although that decision will be made by doctors.
Jayden Daniels said he’s never played with a brace before. When asked if he would have to wear one if he plays Sunday, he said “the doctors have to make the decision.”
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) September 24, 2025
On Friday, Washington announced that Daniels is good to go for the Commanders’ Week 5 game against the Chargers.
Commanders announced Jayden Daniels, who missed the past two games due to a knee sprain, will start Sunday vs. the Chargers.
WR Deebo Samuel, who missed the past two days of practice due to a heel injury, is off the injury report and good to go Sunday. pic.twitter.com/CT8ybvlXV4
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 3, 2025
Daniels will suit up for the first time since Week 2. So far this season, he has 433 passing yards and three touchdowns, while adding 85 yards on the ground.
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Commanders QB depth chart
| Rank | Player |
| 1. | Jayden Daniels |
| 2. | Marcus Mariota |
| 3. | Josh Johnson |
Veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota started two games for the Commanders, where the team went 1-1. In the two games, he had 363 passing yards, three touchdowns and an interception.
Journeyman quarterback Josh Johnson served as the backup the past two weeks.
