Commanders’ QB Jayden Daniels sidelined with knee sprain; Marcus Mariota steps up as starter against Raiders

ASHBURN, Va. — The Washington Commanders have confirmed that quarterback Jayden Daniels will not play against the Las Vegas Raiders this Sunday due to a knee sprain. In his place, Marcus Mariota will take the starting role, with Josh Johnson stepping in as the backup.

This situation mirrors the team’s approach from last season when Daniels faced a rib injury before a game against the Chicago Bears. He practiced lightly leading up to that match but was cleared to play just hours before kickoff. He ended up throwing a game-winning touchdown.

Daniels got hurt during a scrambling play in the fourth quarter against Green Bay in Week 2. Despite the hits he took, he continued to play, throwing two touchdowns after sustaining the injury. Post-game, he was spotted with an ice pack on his knee but claimed he felt fine.

However, an MRI the next day confirmed the sprain, and coach Dan Quinn described his status as “day to day.” Daniels didn’t practice for most of the week and was limited during Friday’s sessions. Mariota took the lead in practice, getting ready for the start. Johnson also worked as a backup option.

Quinn emphasized that Daniels must hit certain milestones before returning, focusing on his leg strength and movement ability. “We want to make sure he’s 100%,” Quinn said. He highlighted the importance of taking things slowly with Daniels, given his significance to the team.

Interestingly, Raiders coach Pete Carroll noted that his team would likely need to prepare for Daniels starting, despite his uncertain status. The situation has sparked conversations around quarterback stamina and management in the league, especially given that injuries can impact team performance drastically.

In a league where a quarterback’s health can make or break a season, fans are keeping a close eye on Daniels’ recovery process. How the team handles his return will be pivotal for the Commanders as they aim to stay competitive this season.

For the latest updates, stay tuned.

(Photo: Patrick McDermott / Getty Images)

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