Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels is dealing with a sprained knee. He picked up the injury in the team’s Week 2 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Thursday night.
Daniels was seen after the game with his knee wrapped, but he told teammates, “I’m straight,” per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. The knee sprain isn’t guaranteed to keep him out of action in Week 3 against the Raiders, but there is a chance.
To start the week, his status for the game is regarded as “uncertain,” and it will depend on how much work he is able to do during the week, and if he suffers any setbacks, which will help determine his status for the weekend.
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Here is more on whether or not Daniels is playing in Week 3.
Is Jayden Daniels playing this week vs. Raiders?
It is uncertain whether or not Daniels will play in Week 3 against the Raiders.
The second-year quarterback had his knee wrapped following the Week 2 loss on Thursday night, but the diagnosis of a sprained knee didn’t get released until the following Monday afternoon. Washington and Las Vegas will play on Sunday, so the quarterback has had extra time to rest up for the game.
He likely won’t practice on Tuesday or Wednesday, with Thursday being the first look at his possible status for the weekend based on whether or not he participates.
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Jayden Daniels injury update
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Daniels received an MRI on his knee, which revealed a knee sprain.
Tuesday’s are usually reserved for a walk-through at most, so we likely won’t get an official practice status for Daniels until Wednesday, and don’t be surprised if he is given an extra day of rest.
Head coach Dan Quinn talked about Daniels in a Monday presser. He said, “Here’s what I know– he did have an MRI and he’s already begun his return to play process with us. He is truly day-to-day. What does that mean for Sunday? I can’t tell you that now. I’ll share more when we get to Wednesday. But in the return to play, he and all of the guys have to hit all of the markers.”
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Who is Jayden Daniels backup?
Daniels’ backup is Marcus Mariota. The Tennessee Titans initially drafted him with the second overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. Mariota couldn’t translate his college success to the NFL, and bounced around the league. He has been with the Commanders since 2024, providing a veteran presence to Daniels.
If Mariota does get the Week 3 start, it will be a revenge game for him as he spent the 2020 and 2021 seasons with the Raiders.
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Commanders QB depth chart
| Position | Player Name |
| 1 | Jayden Daniels |
| 2 | Marcus Mariota |
| 3 | Josh Johnson |
If Daniels misses the Week 3 game against the Raiders, Mariota will get the start.
Johnson would be elevated from the emergency third quarterback to the backup in that specific scenario.
