The Washington Commanders will almost certainly err on the side of caution when it comes to second year superstar quarterback Jayden Daniels and his sprained knee.
That might mean Daniels missing a start for the first time in his career in Week 3 against the visiting Las Vegas Raiders.
Recent history tells the Commanders that’s the smart thing to do, with 2-time NFL MVP and Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson ending up on the wrong side of the same type of injury in 2022.
That season, Jackson missed a career high 5 games. Daniels hurt his knee in a Week 2 loss to the Green Bay Packers.
“Remember the knee injury (PCL sprain) that ended Lamar Jackson’s season in 2022?” Dr. Jesse Morse wrote on his official X account. Well Jayden Daniels, who plays very similarly to Jackson, is dealing with a mild version of the same injury. If Daniels were to land on this same flex knee there’s a chance he misses a huge chunk of time (think Puka and CMC from 2024) of 4-6+ games. I think the Commanders should err on the side of caution and sit him in Week 3.
Daniels not being able to run takes away a huge part of his game — he set the NFL rookie quarterback rushing record with 891 yards and 6 touchdowns in 2024 on the way to being named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.
If Daniels can’t go, veteran backup and 2015 No. 2 overall pick Marcus Mariota will get the start.
Daniels Style of Play Called ‘Not Sustainable’
No player in recent memory has given hope to a fan base like Daniels has with the Commanders over the last year, which included a 12-5 regular season record and NFC Championship Game appearance after he was selected No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL draft and signed a 4-year, $37.76 million rookie contract.
It was the franchise’s best season since their last Super Bowl win following the 1991 season.
Any possible time without Daniels has quite understandably set Washington’s fan base on edge. Headed into Friday, Daniels still hadn’t practiced after the loss to the Packers.
“Through the first two weeks of the season, he leads all quarterbacks in QB contact. … He led all quarterbacks in QB contact last year. … It’s just not sustainable,” ESPN’s Mina Kimes said on September 17.
“Commanders QB Jayden Daniels has a knee injury that has his status for Sunday’s game vs. the Raiders in question, per league sources,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter wrote on his official X account on September 15. “The injury is not believed to be serious, but it remains uncertain whether Daniels will be able to play Sunday.”
Injury in 2024 Much Different Than Knee Sprain
While Daniels was hurt in 2024 and missed almost all of a Week 7 game against the Carolina Panthers, that injury was much different from the one he is currently facing.
Against the Panthers, Daniels suffered an injury to his ribs while running the ball and returned the next week to lead his team to a win over the Chicago Bears — the “Hail Maryland” game.
In that case, it was just a case of Daniels playing through pain. Now, it’s a case of risking possible long term damage — to both Daniels’ knee and the Commanders hopes this season and moving forward.
Commanders Warned Against $37 Million QB Missing ‘Huge Chunk’ of Season