Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels will miss Sunday's game against the Las Vegas Raiders due to a knee sprain suffered in Week 2. Marcus Mariota will take the starting role, with Josh Johnson serving as his backup. This situation echoes a similar scenario from last season when Daniels dealt with a rib injury. While Mariota prepared with the first-team offense all week, Daniels' status remained uncertain until shortly before game time on previous occasions.
Daniels' injury occurred during a fourth-quarter scramble in the Green Bay game. Despite visible discomfort and limping, he played through the pain, throwing two touchdowns after sustaining the injury. An MRI confirmed the sprain, leaving Daniels' availability uncertain. He was unable to participate fully in practice throughout the week, failing to meet the requirements for a return to play that included sufficient leg strength and agility. While he was involved in team meetings and strategy sessions, wearing a knee brace, he ultimately fell short of the necessary participation in practice.
Coach Dan Quinn emphasized a cautious approach, stating that Daniels needed to meet all return-to-play benchmarks before resuming his starting position. This cautious strategy is a testament to the team’s commitment to managing Daniels' long-term health. Despite uncertainty surrounding Daniels' status earlier in the week, Raiders coach Pete Carroll expressed anticipation that he would play, highlighting the strategic challenges posed by preparing for either quarterback.
With Mariota now stepping up, the Commanders face the Raiders with a potentially altered game plan. The outcome of this crucial game remains to be seen, adding suspense and anticipation to this pivotal NFL matchup. The Commanders hope Mariota can lead them to victory against the Raiders in what is sure to be a keenly contested game.
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Originally published at: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6641833/2025/09/19/jayden-daniels-knee-raiders/
