Jayden Daniels missed his first NFL game due to a knee injury. The Washington Commanders quarterback was sidelined for the Week 3 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. He picked up a knee sprain versus the Green Bay Packers on September 11 and has not participated in practice sessions since.
Commanders coach Dan Quinn dropped a positive update on Daniels on Wednesday. The quarterback is set to return to practice as a limited participant.
"#Commanders coach Dan Quinn tells reporters that QB Jayden Daniels will practice on a limited basis, but WR Terry McLaurin won't," NFL insider Ian Rapoport tweeted.
Daniels guided Washington to the NFC Championship game in his rookie season last season. He won the Offensive Rookie of the Year award and earned his first Pro Bowl honor. Daniels' performance is considered among the greatest rookie seasons in league history.
He kicked off the 2025 campaign on a positive note. Daniels went 19 of 30 for 233 yards and one touchdown in the 21-6 season opener victory against the New York Giants. He also registered 11 carries for 68 yards.
Daniels completed 24 of 42 passes for 200 yards and two touchdowns in the 27-18 defeat to the Packers. Although Marcus Mariota led the Commanders to their second win, the team hopes to have Daniels back for Sunday's match.
Dan Quinn reveals plans for Jayden Daniels' return
Commanders coach Dan Quinn interacted with the media on Monday and shared his plan for Jayden Daniels' return. He said that they are going to observe the progress every day and will be able to make a better call on Wednesday.
"So he went through some things today, some more tomorrow, and that'll lead us up into Wednesday," Quinn said. "But when we get together prior to practice, I'll have a better idea for the plan. We've not nailed that down for the week as yet."
Daniels' injury is reportedly not a major one, but his return date has not been finalized. The quarterback could play some snaps against the Falcons on Sunday, but if he doesn't, he will likely return against the LA Chargers in Week 5.
Washington has kicked off the season with a 2-1 record and is aiming to contend for the Vince Lombardi trophy.