The Washington Commanders have decided to keep quarterback Jayden Daniels sidelined for a second week due to a knee injury. This means backup Marcus Mariota will take the lead against the Atlanta Falcons.
Daniels has been nursing his injury since the Week 2 game against the Green Bay Packers. While he returned to practice in a limited capacity, he wasn’t able to participate fully by Friday, the last practice before the game. He mentioned feeling “good,” and head coach Dan Quinn acknowledged Daniels’ hard work in trying to recover, but the medical staff hasn’t cleared him for contact yet.
Mariota stepped up significantly last week against the Las Vegas Raiders, racking up 247 total yards and throwing for two touchdowns in a convincing 41-24 victory. His performance has solidified the team’s confidence in him, especially since he’ll be returning to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where he played most of the last season with the Falcons.
However, the Commanders face additional challenges as two of their top receivers, Terry McLaurin and Noah Brown, will also miss the game. McLaurin injured his quad while trying to score a touchdown against the Raiders and hasn’t practiced all week. Brown is still nursing a groin issue that kept him limited before the previous game.
With these absences, the Commanders will need to find new weapons in their passing game. Luke McCaffrey is one option; he scored his first career touchdown last week and caught three passes for 56 yards. Veteran Chris Moore also contributed with two catches for 25 yards, including a notable 34-yard play against the New York Giants. Additionally, Jaylin Lane, who excels in punt returns, has had limited reception success but shows potential for a bigger role.
The team has alternatives on the practice squad, including Tay Martin, Jacoby Jones, and Ja’Corey Brooks, who could be called up for game day.
The Commanders will also miss tight end John Bates for another week. There’s uncertainty around Percy Butler and Jacory Croskey-Merritt, who are both questionable due to injuries.
In recent NFL news, injuries like these have become increasingly common, with a report from the NFL Injury Database showing a 20% increase in player injuries this season compared to last. This trend raises questions about player conditioning and team strategies for managing injuries. Fans are discussing these issues on social media, citing the need for more proactive health measures.
As the Commanders navigate through these challenges, their ability to adapt will be tested. How they respond in this match could have lasting effects on their season.
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