Introduction to Jayden Daniels’ Injury
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels is dealing with a knee injury, and coach Dan Quinn said Monday the AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year’s status for the team’s next game is up in the air.
The Commanders (1-1) host the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. The Commanders come off a long break, having last played Thursday night, while the Raiders will head into a short week after playing on Monday Night Football.
Status of Jayden Daniels
“He did have an MRI and he has 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," Quinn said during a video conference with reporters. “We’ll have more to share on that when we get to Wednesday.” That’s when the Commanders have their next practice.
The Injury
Daniels was hurt in Washington’s 27-18 loss at the Green Bay Packers on Thursday night. The second-year QB was sacked four times and faced pressure throughout the game from a blitz-heavy Packers’ defense. “It was good that he finished the game,” Quinn said.
Road to Recovery
The team “would have to see all of the steps” from Daniels during the coming week — in terms of strength, speed, stopping, movement, change of direction, pivoting — for him to be cleared to play against Las Vegas, Quinn said. “We know how important he is,” the coach added, so the Commanders will “make sure that he can absolutely be himself.”
Performance Against Green Bay
Against Green Bay, Daniels completed 24 of 42 passes for 200 yards and two fourth-quarter touchdowns, while running for just 17 yards on seven carries. Quinn said a decision on a starting QB against the Raiders might not come until Friday. Marcus Mariota is Washington’s backup at the position. “Our confidence in him is through the roof,” Quinn said.
Other Injuries and Moves
Tight end John Bates and wide receiver Noah Brown have groin injuries from the Packers game, and Quinn said they are long shots to play on Sunday, but “it’s too early to call it.” Washington also came out of that defeat with season-ending injuries to two starters: running back Austin Ekeler and defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr., who both were placed on injured reserve on Monday. Ekeler tore his right Achilles tendon; Wise needs surgery for a hurt quadriceps. “They have made a tremendous impact on our team — on the field but also off the field,” Quinn said.
Recent Moves
In other moves Monday, Washington signed running back Chase Edmonds to the practice squad, and signed defensive end Jalyn Holmes and wide receiver Chris Moore from its practice squad. Edmonds has played for four clubs in six years in the NFL, but he missed all of last season with a knee injury. The Eagles beat the Chiefs in NFL Week 2, while the Bengals secured a win against the Jags despite Joe Burrow exiting early with an injury.
Conclusion
The status of Jayden Daniels remains uncertain as the Commanders prepare to face the Las Vegas Raiders. With the team dealing with several injuries, including season-ending ones to key players, the road ahead will be challenging. However, the Commanders are taking a cautious approach with Daniels, ensuring he is fully ready before clearing him to play.
FAQs
- Q: What is Jayden Daniels’ current status?
A: Jayden Daniels is day-to-day with a knee injury. - Q: When will the decision on the starting QB be made?
A: The decision might not come until Friday. - Q: Who is the backup QB for the Commanders?
A: Marcus Mariota is the backup QB. - Q: What other injuries are the Commanders dealing with?
A: Tight end John Bates and wide receiver Noah Brown have groin injuries, and the team has season-ending injuries to running back Austin Ekeler and defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr.
