Jayden Daniels Injury News & Updates
Keep up with the latest injuries from the Broncos vs Commanders game on Nov 30, 2025 with our National Football League injury report.Nov 9, 2025
Set for checkup after bye
The Commanders plan to re-evaluate Daniels (elbow) after their Week 12 before deciding on his availability for the remainder of the season, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
Washington elected not to place Daniels on injured reserve after he received positive news from medical evaluations earlier this week, when he was told he wouldn't need surgery to address the dislocation to his non-throwing elbow that he sustained in this past Sunday's loss to the Seahawks. However, Daniels was still ruled out for this Sunday's game against the Lions and will also remain out for the Commanders' Week 11 matchup with the Dolphins in Madrid, giving Marcus Mariota at least a two-game run as the team's starting quarterback. Pelissero notes that even if Daniels' left elbow heals up well over the next few weeks, the Commanders' positioning in the NFC standings could be a major factor in whether the second-year quarterback is cleared to play at any point in the final quarter of the season. Entering Week 10, the Commanders sit at 3-6 on the season, and losses to the Lions and/or Dolphins over the next two games could effectively remove the team from playoff contention.
Nov 7, 2025
Doesn't need surgery
Daniels suffered no ligament damage and won't need surgery on his dislocated elbow, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
Daniels received positive news regarding his injury after seeking additional medical opinions, and he will not be immediately placed on injured reserve. Per Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic, the Commanders will reassess Daniels' status after the team's Week 12 bye. Whether Daniels returns this season will hinge on his health, as well as Washington's chances of making the playoffs. Backup Marcus Mariota will be tasked with keeping the Commanders' faint playoff hopes alive while Daniels recovers.
Nov 3, 2025
Expected to move to IR
Head coach Dan Quinn confirmed that Daniels sustained a dislocated elbow in Sunday's 38-14 loss to the Seahawks, and the Commanders expect the quarterback to be "out for a while, for sure," John Keim of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
According to JP Finlay of NBC Sports Washington, Daniels avoided any fractures to his non-throwing arm when he sustained a gruesome-looking injury when he was sacked midway through the fourth quarter of the blowout loss. The Commanders are still in the process of collecting more information on Daniels' injury, and Quinn anticipates that the team will have a clearer timeline for the signal-caller's return by Wednesday or Thursday. At this stage, the Commanders aren't ready to rule Daniels out for the season, but he appears to be a strong bet to be moved to injured reserve, which would keep him sidelined for at least four games. Marcus Mariota came on in relief of Daniels against the Seahawks and is in line to make his fourth start of the season in this Sunday's game versus the Lions.
Nov 3, 2025
Dislocates elbow, set to miss time
Daniels sustained a dislocated left elbow in the fourth quarter of Sunday's 38-14 loss to the Seahawks and will be sidelined indefinitely, though the Commanders aren't yet certain whether he'll miss the rest of the season, John Keim of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Though Washington was trailing by 31 points midway through the fourth quarter, Daniels remained in the game before suffering the gruesome injury to his non-throwing arm when he scrambled to the right down and was taken down for a sack at the Seahawks' four-yard line. His elbow bent backward on the tackle, and though head coach Dan Quinn didn't provide an immediate diagnosis for Daniels' injury following the game, early tests have apparently ruled out a fracture. Daniels is scheduled to undergo an MRI on Monday to confirm the diagnosis of a dislocation, and a firmer timeline for his recovery should become clearer soon thereafter. At the very least, Daniels looks destined to miss the Commanders' Week 10 game versus the Lions, and a stint on injured reserve -- and the minimum four-game absence that comes with it -- looms as a likely outcome. Marcus Mariota replaced Daniels late in Sunday's game and would be the next man up to start at quarterback for Washington, just as he did when Daniels missed three games ear
Nov 3, 2025
Coach confirms left elbow injury
Head coach Dan Quinn confirmed that Daniels suffered a left elbow injury in Sunday's 38-14 loss to the Seahawks, but Quinn didn't have any further updates on Daniels' status, Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Daniels needed a brace to stabilize his left, non-throwing arm after sustaining an injury in the fourth quarter. A more concrete recovery timeline for Daniels will likely be established following additional evaluation of the injury. Marcus Mariota is set to fill in as the starting QB beginning with Week 10 against the Lions.
Nov 2, 2025
Suffers significant left arm injury
Daniels walked off the field with his left arm in a brace after sustaining an injury in the fourth quarter of Sunday's game against the Seahawks, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
Daniels appeared to sustain a significant injury to his left arm at the end of a scramble with the Commanders trailing 38-7 in the fourth quarter. Marcus Mariota will finish out the game in relief while further evaluation of Daniels' injury will be required before a return timetable is established. Prior to the injury, Daniels completed 16 of 22 passes for 153 yards, no touchdowns and one interception while rushing 10 times for 51 yards and a touchdown.
Oct 31, 2025
Named as Week 9 starter
Daniels will start Sunday's game against the Seahawks,
ANALYSIS
He returned to full practice participation Wednesday after missing the loss at Kansas City on Monday. Daniels made it through the week without any setbacks and will now return to the starting lineup, leading an offense that won't have WR Terry McLaurin (out - quadriceps) in Week 9.
Oct 29, 2025
Gets back to full Wednesday
Daniels (hamstring) practiced fully Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
Coach Dan Quinn told Tashan Reed of The Washington Post earlier Wednesday that Daniels was slated for a full week of practice, and he ended up kicking it off with no restrictions whatsoever in the first session of Week 9 prep. Daniels thus appears as if he'll miss just one game due to the low-grade right hamstring strain that he sustained Week 7 at Dallas. Friday's injury report will unveil whether or not he enters the weekend with a designation ahead of Sunday's contest against the Seahawks.
Oct 29, 2025
To practice all week, per Quinn
Coach Dan Quinn said Wednesday that Daniels (hamstring) will have a full week of practice in advance of Sunday's game against the Seahawks, Tashan Reed of The Washington Post reports.
ANALYSIS
Daniels sat out Monday's game at Kansas City due to a low-grade right hamstring strain that he suffered Week 7 at Dallas, allowing Marcus Mariota to get a third spot start of the campaign. On Tuesday, Quinn told JP Finlay of NBC Sports Washington that the Commanders "plan on him being a part" of the practice plan during Week 8 prep, but Quinn's comment one day later doesn't mean Daniels necessarily will be listed as a full participant all week. In the end, Wednesday's injury report will reveal whether or not Daniels was able to handle all on-field work.
Oct 28, 2025
Set to practice Wednesday
Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said that Daniels (hamstring) had a good rehab session and will participate in Wednesday's practice, JP Finlay of NBC Sports Washington reports.
ANALYSIS
Quinn didn't reveal whether Daniels will be a limited or full participant in Wednesday's session, but the Commanders anticipate the quarterback being on the field in some capacity for each of their three practices this week. If his injured right hamstring holds up well in on-field workouts, Daniels should be in line to start Sunday's game against the Seahawks. The second-year signal-caller missed Monday's 28-7 loss to the Chiefs due to the hamstring issue and previously sat out Weeks 3 and 4 while recovering from a sprained knee.
Oct 26, 2025
Testing hamstring Sunday
Daniels will test his injured hamstring in workouts on Sunday, and the Commanders think he has a chance to return in Week 9 against the Seahawks, Jay Glazer reported on Fox NFL Sunday.
ANALYSIS
No matter how the testing unfolds, Daniels will still miss Monday night's game against the Chiefs, but he's made enough progress during the week to create some optimism for next week. Marcus Mariota will start on Monday night in Daniels' stead versus Kansas City.
Oct 24, 2025
May miss just one start
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Thursday that there's a "real possibility" Daniels misses just one start with his low-grade hamstring strain.
ANALYSIS
Daniels has already been ruled out for Monday night's game against the Chiefs due to the hamstring injury he suffered in last Sunday's loss to the Cowboys, but it sounds like he's not looking at any sort of extended absence. Marcus Mariota will be under center against Kansas City, and Daniels would then be in line to return to the lineup in Week 9 at home against the Seahawks.
Oct 23, 2025
Won't play in Week 8
Coach Dan Quinn said Thursday that Daniels (hamstring) has been ruled out for Monday's game at Kansas City.
ANALYSIS
Daniels missed most of the second half of this past Sunday's game at Dallas due to a hamstring injury, and after undergoing an MRI on Monday, it was revealed to be a low-grade strain of his right hamstring. As of Wednesday, he wasn't trending in the right direction to play Week 8, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, and Quinn confirmed as much one day later. The Commanders made the decision so that Daniels can focus only on rehab and treatment this week and that the issue isn't a long-term one, as Quinn told John Keim of ESPN.com. Marcus Mariota will make his third start of the season in place of Daniels on Monday.
Oct 22, 2025
Not on track to play Week 8
Daniels (hamstring) is expected to sit out Monday's road matchup against the Chiefs, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
Daniels suffered a low-grade right hamstring strain during Washington's loss to the Cowboys in Week 7, and while it's encouraging for the second-year quarterback to have avoided a long-term injury, it looks as though he'll miss at least one contest while working his way back to health. That positions backup quarterback Marcus Mariota for a likely start on Monday Night Football versus Kansas City. Meanwhile, coach Dan Quinn said Wednesday that top wide receivers Terry McLaurin (quadriceps) and Deebo Samuel (heel) are both trending in the right direction and expected to practice this week, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.
Oct 20, 2025
Hamstring injury not significant
Coach Dan Quinn said Monday that Daniels' hamstring injury isn't considered significant and won't be a long-term issue, but Daniels' status for next Monday night's game against the Chiefs is uncertain, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.
ANALYSIS
Daniels' MRI on Monday came back clean after he was injured on the opening drive of the second half of Sunday's loss to the Cowboys. Daniels wanted to go back in the game against Dallas, but the score was already somewhat lopsided, so the Commanders kept him out and let Marcus Mariota play the bulk of the second half. If Daniels is unable to play against Kansas City, Mariota would likely draw the start.
Oct 19, 2025
Will undergo MRI on Monday
Coach Dan Quinn said after Sunday's loss to the Cowboys that Daniels will undergo an MRI on his injured hamstring Monday, Tashan Reed of The Washington Post reports.
ANALYSIS
Quinn said Daniels wanted to go back in the game against Dallas, but the Commanders ultimately opted to hold him out with Washington trailing by multiple scores. The Commanders have an extra day of rest ahead of next Monday night's Week 8 date with the Chiefs. If Daniels is deemed unfit to play against Kansas City, Marcus Mariota would likely draw the start under center.
Oct 19, 2025
Done for day with hamstring injury
Daniels (hamstring) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Cowboys, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
Daniels injured his hamstring on the Commanders' first possession of the second half, and with the game somewhat out of hand already at 44-22 early in the fourth quarter, Washington will not send Daniels back out on the field. Prior to getting hurt, Daniels completed 12 of 22 passes for 156 yards and one touchdown, adding eight carries for 35 yards as a rusher. Marcus Mariota will finish out the Week 7 contest. Daniels will have an extra day to recover ahead of the Week 8 date with the Chiefs on Monday, Oct. 27.
Oct 19, 2025
Leaves Sunday's game
Daniels injured his right hamstring during Sunday's game at Dallas, Zach Selby of the Commanders' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Daniels sustained the injury when he was strip sacked on Washington's first possession of the second half, a play in which Cowboys defender Shemar James rolled into the back of his legs. The second-year signal-caller remained on the turf for a spell and then walked off the field with a visible limp. After a visit to the sideline tent, Daniels jogged to the locker room favoring his right leg, at which point he was deemed questionable to return. Marcus Mariota will lead the Commanders offense for as long as Daniels is unavailable.
Oct 13, 2025
Three TDs in Week 6 loss
Daniels completed 19 of 26 passes for 211 yards with three touchdowns and one interception in the Commanders' 25-24 loss to the Bears on Monday night. He also rushed 10 times for 52 yards and committed two fumbles, losing one and recovering the other.
ANALYSIS
As his collection of numbers indicates, it was a mixed bag of a night for Daniels in his second game back from a knee sprain that cost him a pair of contests. The second-year signal-caller threw a season-high three touchdown passes, connecting with Chris Moore (22 yards), Luke McCaffrey (33 yards) and Zach Ertz (six yards) to erase 13-0 and 16-10 deficits. However, Daniels' first-quarter interception, his first of the season, led to a Bears field goal, and his fumble at Chicago's 45-yard line on an attempted handoff to Jacory Croskey-Merritt with 3:10 remaining and Washington clinging to a two-point lead would eventually result in a game-winning field goal by opposing kicker Jake Moody. Daniels also took three sacks, and this was his first multi-turnover tally of the season. The star quarterback and his teammates don't have time to dwell on the last-second defeat, however, as a road date with the arch-rival Cowboys awaits Sunday afternoon.
Oct 5, 2025
Secures victory in return Sunday
Daniels completed 15 of 26 pass attempts for 231 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 39 yards on eight attempts in Sunday's 27-10 win over the Chargers.
ANALYSIS
Daniels returned from a two-week absence due to a knee injury in order to lead his team to its third win of the season. The 24-year-old was sporting a brace on his left knee, but it did not appear to limit the quarterback's mobility on any of his eight carries Sunday. Daniels is averaging 221.3 passing yards and 41.3 rushing yards with four touchdowns to no interceptions in three 2025 starts. The dual-threat sophomore could be primed for his finest fantasy outing under the bright lights of Monday Night Football in Week 6 when the Commanders host a Bears defense that is surrendering 389.0 yards of offense to opponents this season.
Oct 3, 2025
Wearing brace in return to action
Coach Dan Quinn said Daniels will wear a brace on his left knee in his return to action Sunday at the Chargers, John Keim of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Daniels came out of a Week 2 loss at Green Bay with a sprained knee and missed the next two games as a result. With a trio of full practices under his belt this week, though, he's good to go for Week 5 action. The skill positions for the Commanders has taken a hit since Daniels' last game action, as RB Austin Ekeler is out for the season due to a torn Achilles and WRs Terry McLaurin (quadriceps) and Noah Brown (groin/knee) didn't make Thursday's trip to Los Angeles. As a result, Daniels' top targets Sunday will be WR Deebo Samuel (heel) and TE Zach Ertz.
Oct 2, 2025
Continues to practice fully
Daniels (knee) practiced fully Thursday.
ANALYSIS
Coach Dan Quinn announced Wednesday that Daniels was medically cleared from the knee sprain that sidelined him Weeks 3 and 4 and was slated to be a full practice participant this week, per Tashan Reed of The Washington Post. Daniels has done just that Wednesday and Thursday, but he also told Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post after the former session of the knee brace he'll be wearing for the foreseeable future, "I'm not the biggest fan of it, but if that's what I have to wear, I'll do anything." Daniels also will be working without at least two of his top pass catchers Sunday against the Chargers, as Terry McLaurin (quadriceps) and Noah Brown (knee/groin) didn't travel with the team to Los Angeles and Deebo Samuel (heel) has yet to practice this week.
Oct 1, 2025
Medically cleared, practicing fully
Commanders coach Dan Quinn said Daniels (knee) has been medically cleared and will be a full participant in Wednesday's practice, Tashan Reed of The Washington Post reports.
ANALYSIS
Daniels will return from his two-game absence due to a knee sprain and start Sunday's road matchup against the Chargers. It appeared as though the second-year signal-caller had at least a chance to return Week 4 versus Atlanta, so by this stage there should be minimal, if any, lingering concerns about Daniels' mobility and rushing upside. Meanwhile, Quinn also said things are "trending up" for wideouts Terry McLaurin (quadriceps) and Noah Brown (groin), per Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post.
Sep 28, 2025
Likely to return in Week 5
Daniels (knee) will remain out for Sunday's game in Atlanta but is expected to return to action in the Commanders' Week 5 road matchup with the Chargers on Oct. 5, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
Daniels turned in a pair of limited practices this week, but the Commanders are opting to hold the second-year signal-caller out for a second straight game while he manages a knee sprain. Though Marcus Mariota will once again start for Washington, Daniels' knee responded well to a workout Saturday, leaving the Commanders optimistic that the 24-year-old will be ready to go next week for a tough matchup with the undefeated Chargers. Whether Daniels enters the Week 5 contest with or without an injury designation will hinge on his practice activity next Wednesday through Friday.
Sep 26, 2025
Ruled out
Daniels (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's game at Atlanta.
ANALYSIS
Marcus Mariota will make a second straight start, after leading the Commanders to an easy win over the Raiders last week. Daniels was a limited practice participant Wednesday and Thursday, but reporters didn't spot him at Friday's session. Earlier in the week, Daniels said he thought he could play but wasn't sure if the Commanders' medical staff would let him. His next chance will be the following Sunday, Oct. 5, in a road matchup with the Chargers.
Sep 26, 2025
Not spotted at practice Friday
Daniels (knee) wasn't spotted during the initial portion of Friday's practice, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
After being limited Wednesday and Thursday, Daniels' absence from the start of Friday's session is certainly of note. If he ends up ruled out by the Commanders on Friday, or made inactive Sunday against the Falcons, Marcus Mariota would be in line to draw the Week 4 start at QB for the team.
Sep 25, 2025
Remains limited at practice
Daniels (knee) was a limited practice participant Thursday.
ANALYSIS
Daniels sat out a Week 3 win against the Raiders due to a sprained knee that he suffered during a Week 2 loss at Green Bay. He now has strung together three consecutive limited listings on injury reports stretching back to last week, but he told John Keim of ESPN.com on Wednesday that a decision on his availability for Sunday's game in Atlanta is "up to the doctors." The Commanders could make that call as soon as they post Friday's injury report, but until they do, one of Daniels or backup QB Marcus Mariota will be the options to lead the offense this weekend.
Sep 24, 2025
Needs clearance from team doctors
Daniels (knee) said he felt no discomfort during a limited practice Wednesday, but he still isn't sure if team doctors will clear him for Sunday's game at Atlanta, ESPN.com's John Keim reports.
ANALYSIS
The gist of Daniels' media session was that he thinks he's healthy enough to play but isn't sure if the doctors will let him. He also said he'll defer to medical staff on the potential use of a knee brace, having never tried/needed one before. The Commanders could hardly be blamed for a cautious approach this early in the season, especially after backup QB Marcus Mariota played well again last week, but it does sound like Daniels wants to play and thinks he can do so.
Sep 24, 2025
Set for limited practice
Commanders coach Dan Quinn said Daniels (knee) will be limited in practice Wednesday, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.
ANALYSIS
Quinn said Daniels is "doing everything you possibly can to get there" for Sunday's game against the Falcons, but it sounds as though the starting quarterback remains day-to-day. If Washington has any lingering concerns about Daniels' health, Marcus Mariota will be primed to draw another start after he performed well under center Week 3. Meanwhile, top wideout Terry McLaurin (quadriceps) is not practicing Wednesday, per Jhabvala.
Sep 22, 2025
Still considered day-to-day
Commanders coach Dann Quinn said Monday that Daniels (knee) is still day-to-day, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
Quinn said he'd have an update on Daniels' healthy Wednesday, per Tashan Reed of The Washington Post, but for now the second-year quarterback's status remains up-in-the-air for Sunday's road matchup against the Falcons. Backup Marcus Mariota piloted Washington's offense well in Week 3's win over the Raiders, providing the Commanders confidence that things will remains steady if Daniels requires further time on the sideline to get right.
Sep 21, 2025
Lateral movement problematic
Daniels (knee) can throw and run straight forward, but struggles to move side-to-side, and that's why he's being held out this week, Jay Glazer reported on Fox NFL Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Glazer also classified Daniels's injury as a sprained knee ligament, a detail that was reported by Ian Rapaport earlier in the week but not officially confirmed by the team. Daniels's ability to move laterally will be the critical factor to watch next week in practice.
Sep 19, 2025
Ruled out for Week 3
Commanders coach Dan Quinn said Daniels (knee) will not play in Sunday's game against the Raiders, Jonathan Jones of CBSSports.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Daniels will miss at least one game, despite returning to practice Friday as a limited participant. Marcus Mariota takes over as Washington's starting QB for the home matchup with Las Vegas.
Sep 19, 2025
Not spotted at practice Friday
Daniels (knee) wasn't on the field for the media-access portion of Friday's practice, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.
ANALYSIS
While it's still possible that Daniels could make an appearance later in the session, his absence early on isn't a good sign. In any case, the Commanders' final injury report Friday will provide added clarity with regard to Daniels' status for Sunday's game against the Raiders. If he's unavailable, Marcus Mariota would be in line to start in his place.
Sep 17, 2025
No practice Wednesday or Thursday
Daniels (knee) won't practice any earlier than Friday this week, Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.
ANALYSIS
Commanders coach Dan Quinn said Daniels won't practice Wednesday or Thursday, instead focusing on rehab for the knee sprain he suffered last Thursday in Green Bay. The extra time off in between games helps his cause, but Daniels nonetheless appears in danger of missing Sunday's game against Las Vegas. Marcus Mariota will get the start at QB if Daniels doesn't.
Sep 17, 2025
No practice Wednesday
Commanders coach Dan Quinn said Daniels (knee) won't practice Wednesday but "had a good rehab session today and threw out on the field," Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.
ANALYSIS
Daniels is considered day-to-day after suffering a knee sprain during last Thursday's loss to the Packers. He now has two chances left to upgrade to at least limited practice activity before being tagged with a tentative injury designation for Sunday's home matchup against the Raiders. Backup Marcus Mariota will step up under center in the event that Daniels isn't cleared to suit up Week 3.
Sep 15, 2025
Deemed 'day-to-day' by coach
Coach Dan Quinn said Monday that Daniels is considered "day-to-day" due to the knee injury that he suffered last Thursday at Green Bay, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.
ANALYSIS
Quinn added that Daniels underwent an MRI on Friday, and he's "already begun his return to play process with us. ... What does that mean for Sunday [against the Raiders]? I can't tell you that now. I'll share more when we get to Wednesday." After Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported earlier Monday that Daniels has a sprained knee, Quinn wouldn't go as far, only calling it a "knee injury," per Commanders writer Ben Standig. Wednesday's practice report will reveal whether Daniels handles any practice reps to start Week 3 prep, but if he isn't able to go this weekend, backup Marcus Mariota is on hand to lead the Commanders offense.
Sep 15, 2025
Tending to sprained knee
Daniels has been diagnosed with a sprained knee, and his status is up in the air for Sunday's game against the Raiders, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
Daniels was seen with a visible limp in the waning moments of last Thursday's loss at Green Bay, but he was able to play out the rest of the contest. Following an MRI, the nature of his injury has become known. If Daniels needs to take a seat Week 3, he'll hand off QB duties to backup Marcus Mariota.
Sep 11, 2025
Pair of TDs in Week 2 loss
Daniels completed 24 of 42 passes for 200 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions while adding seven rushes for 17 yards in the Commanders' 27-18 loss to the Packers on Thursday. He also threw a two-point conversion pass.
ANALYSIS
Daniels' final line was serviceable from a fantasy perspective, but the second-year signal-caller compiled a non-significant portion of his numbers against a Packers defense playing to protect a relatively comfortable lead. Daniels managed to avoid any turnovers and made matters somewhat interesting by helming a 10-play, 65-yard march that he capped with a 10-yard touchdown toss to Deebo Samuel, adding a two-point conversion toss to Luke McCaffrey on the following play. Daniels had also connected with Zach Ertz from 20 yards out for his first scoring pass of the night early in the fourth quarter, and he was able to be a bit more productive when targeting Terry McLaurin (5-48-0) than in the opener against the Giants. Daniels and the Commanders now get some extra time to prepare for a Week 3 home matchup against the Raiders on Sunday, Sept. 21.
Sep 9, 2025
Wrist not concerning on short week
Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said Tuesday that he has "zero concerns" about Daniels' right wrist after the quarterback appeared on the team's initial Week 2 injury report, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
The Commanders are facing a quick turnaround from Sunday's 21-6 win over the Giants with a road matchup versus the Packers on Thursday night, but Daniels doesn't look to be at any real risk of sitting out Week 2. Even though Daniels is being listed on the injury report with the right wrist issue, the Commanders still gauged him as a full participant on Monday's practice estimate. Daniels is unlikely to take many practice reps on a short week, but unless the wrist injury is more serious than Quinn is letting on, the second-year signal-caller still profiles as a strong fantasy play this week.
Sep 7, 2025
Passing TD, 68 rush yards Week 1
Daniels completed 19 of 30 passes for 233 yards and a touchdown while rushing 11 times for 68 yards in Sunday's 21-6 win over the Giants.
ANALYSIS
Daniels gave the Commanders a 7-0 lead with a seven-yard touchdown pass to Zach Ertz in the first quarter, and Washington took a 14-3 lead into the locker room, but it could have been larger if not for an intentional grounding penalty on Daniels from the Giants' 4-yard line that resulted in a half-ending 10-second runoff. Washington's defense continued to stifle the Giants in the second half, so Daniels wasn't asked to do too much, though he still topped the 60-yard rushing mark for the seventh time in 18 regular-season NFL starts. Daniels' ability to contribute with both his arm and legs makes the second-year pro an elite fantasy option heading into Thursday's Week 2 trip to Green Bay.
Aug 23, 2025
Not playing Saturday
Daniels and most other starters won't play in Saturday's preseason game against Baltimore, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.
ANALYSIS
There's a list of 33 players that won't take part Saturday, including Daniels, Marcus Mariota, Austin Ekeler, Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Terry McLaurin (contract), Deebo Samuel, Noah Brown (undisclosed), Jaylin Lane, Zach Ertz and John Bates. The next time we see most of them will be a Week 1 home game against the Giants.
Aug 18, 2025
Runs for TD on lone drive
Daniels played four snaps in Monday's preseason game against the Bengals, taking one carry for a 14-yard touchdown.
ANALYSIS
He played just one drive, which started with a 19-yard run from Deebo Samuel and a 40-yard scamper by Chris Rodriguez. Two plays later, Daniels scrambled for a touchdown on his lone dropback. That will likely be his only action this preseason, with the focus shifting to a Week 1 matchup against the Giants and wideout Terry McLaurin's unresolved contract situation.
Aug 16, 2025
Set for limited playing time Monday
Commanders coach Dan Quinn said Saturday that Daniels and most of the starters will play "a few series" during Monday's preseason matchup against the Bengals, Zach Selby of the team's official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Daniels sat out Washington's preseason opener against the Patriots last week, but he and the majority of other offensive starters will get an opportunity to shake the rust off with at least a handful of exhibition drives at home versus the Bengals on Monday. Cincinnati's plan is to play the starting unit for 2-3 drives for a second straight week, per Jay Morrison of SI.com, and it wouldn't be surprising if the Commanders were to simply match that workload. Top wide receiver Terry McLaurin (ankle) was activated from the active/PUP list Monday, though the move is reportedly not indicative of progress between the 30-year-old wideout and Washington toward a new contract. McLaurin won't be a candidate to play Monday, and he'll likely also sit out the preseason finale against Baltimore per Commanders writer Ben Standig, but still, McLaurin moving toward a return to the field is a positive development for Daniels' fantasy projections.
Aug 8, 2025
Won't play Friday
Daniels won't play in Friday's preseason opener against the Patriots, Zach Selby of the Commanders' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
The same applies to veteran signal-caller Marcus Mariota (lower leg), which leaves Josh Johnson and Sam Hartman to handle the team's QB reps Friday. Daniels' next chance to see game action will arrive Aug. 18 against the Bengals.
Aug 8, 2025
Expected to sit Friday
Daniels and other starters aren't expected to play in Friday's preseason game against the Patriots, Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Daniels won't see action in the preseason opener but could get some reps Aug. 18 against the Bengals or Aug. 23 against the Ravens. Marcus Mariota (lower leg) didn't travel with the team to New England, leaving Josh Johnson and Sam Hartman to split quarterbacks reps Friday.
Jul 23, 2025
Not worried about McLaurin holdout
Daniels isn't worried about Terry McLaurin's contract holdout impacting the duo's rapport, John Keim of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
McLaurin is frustrated with negotiations but ultimately still wants an extension in Washington rather than a trade. Daniels, meanwhile, seems to be getting along fine in practice without his top wide receiver -- his first pass of 11-on-11s at training camp was a deep completion to new weapon Deebo Samuel. The Commanders also traded for LT Laremy Tunsil this offseason, and then drafted RT Josh Conerly in the first round, but their interior line figures to be temporarily weakened after standout guard Sam Cosmi suffered an ACL tear during the playoffs. It's still a good situation for Daniels overall, especially if/when McLaurin gets back on the field.
Feb 6, 2025
Wins Offensive Rookie of the Year
Daniels was named the 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year on Thursday, Rob Maaddi of the Associated Press reports.
ANALYSIS
Daniels completed 69 percent of his passes for 3,568 passing yards and 25 passing touchdowns while throwing nine interceptions over 17 games with Washington this season. He also added a rookie-QB record 891 rushing yards while scoring six touchdowns on the ground. It comes as no surprise that he was able to bring home the hardware as the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year, edging out fellow quarterback Bo Nix, wide receivers Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas and tight end Brock Bowers for the award.
Jan 26, 2025
Excellent rookie season concludes
Daniels completed 29 of 48 passes for 255 yards, one touchdown and one interception in Sunday's 55-23 NFC Championship Game loss to the Eagles. He added six rushes for 48 yards and an additional score.
ANALYSIS
It wasn't Daniels' most efficient performance and his potential comeback attempt was cut short by four total turnovers from the Commanders -- though he accounted for only one on an interception late in the fourth quarter with the contest already decided. He still managed to lead five total scoring drives, highlighted by a 36-yard touchdown throw and a 10-yard rush. Though Daniels' rookie season concluded short of the Super Bowl, he exceeded any realistic expectations both from an individual and team perspective. Across 19 total games, he accounted for 35 total touchdowns while turning the ball over only nine times, and he will enter the 2025 season as a top fantasy option at the position.
Jan 18, 2025
Leads monumental upset Saturday
Daniels completed 22 of 31 passes for 299 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions and added 51 rushing yards on 16 carries in the Commanders' 45-31 divisional-round win over the Lions on Saturday night.
ANALYSIS
The Commanders shocked the NFL world by going into Ford Field and emerging with a victory, and Daniels was unsurprisingly the centerpiece of that effort. The seemingly unflappable rookie set the tone for the night in the first half by leading four scoring drives that totaled 24 points, capping off two of them with touchdown passes of 58 and five yards to Terry McLaurin and Zach Ertz, respectively. Daniels then filled a more subdued role in the second half but had the luxury of playing with a lead throughout, and he engineered a pair of long marches that took a total of nearly 13 minutes off the clock and culminated in Brian Robinson and Jeremy McNichols one-yard rushing touchdowns. In the process, Daniels became the first rookie in NFL history to top 300 total yards in two playoff games, and he'll look to put together a fitting encore in the NFC Championship Game against either the Rams or Eagles on Sunday, Jan. 26.
Jan 12, 2025
Performs well in first playoff game
Daniels completed 24 of 35 pass attempts for 268 yards and two touchdowns while rushing 13 times for 36 yards in Sunday's 23-20 playoff win over the Buccaneers.
ANALYSIS
Daniels looked like a seasoned veteran in his postseason debut, showing tremendous poise in the pocket (110.2 QB rating) without committing a turnover in a ruckus road environment. The rookie standout didn't post gaudy rushing totals on 13 attempts, but his four-yard scramble on third down in the waning moments of Sunday's narrow victory helped push Washington into the next round of the playoffs. Daniels and the Commanders will face a stiffer test in the divisional round when the team travels to Detroit to face the NFC's No. 1-seeded Lions on Saturday. Despite entering the contest as an underdog, the dual-threat quarterback still makes for a strong fantasy play given how decimated Detroit's secondary has become due to injury.
Jan 8, 2025
Full practice Wednesday
Daniels (leg) practiced fully Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
Daniels didn't take the field after halftime of this past Sunday's win at Dallas, and coach Dan Quinn relayed to Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post afterward that leg soreness was the reason for the rookie quarterback's early exit. On Monday, Quinn added that he was "not concerned" about the issue, per Zach Selby of the Commanders' official site, and Daniels' ability to handle every practice rep Wednesday confirms as much. Daniels thus is set to start Sunday night's wild-card contest at Tampa Bay, against whom he managed 184 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions on 17-for-24 passing and 16 carries for 88 yards and two TDs back in his pro debut Week 1.
Jan 6, 2025
Soreness severity downplayed
Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said Monday that he's "not concerned" about the leg soreness that forced Daniels out of Sunday's 23-19 win over the Cowboys, Zach Selby of the Commanders' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Daniels logged a precautionary exit at halftime during the Week 18 game against Dallas, but it doesn't sound like his status will be impacted at all heading into Sunday's wild-card playoff matchup on the road at Tampa Bay. Washington's first official practice report of the coming week will be released Wednesday, at which point it will be revealed whether Daniels' leg soreness is still limiting him in any capacity, or whether he's already been cleared to take full reps.
Jan 5, 2025
Left game with leg soreness
Daniels was feeling soreness in his leg before leaving Sunday's 23-19 win over the Cowboys at halftime, coach Dan Quinn revealed after the game, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.
ANALYSIS
Daniels' exit was precautionary and there has been no indication that his availability for the wild-card round against the Buccaneers is in question. Backup Marcus Mariota led the Commanders to their 12th win of the season to secure the No. 6 seed in the NFC.
Jan 5, 2025
Poor finish to great regular season
Daniels completed six of 12 passes for 38 yards and rushed four times for 27 yards before being lifted at halftime of Sunday's 23-19 win over the Cowboys.
ANALYSIS
Daniels struggled in the final appearance of an otherwise excellent regular season. Despite this weak final outing, Daniels is still the favorite to win Offensive Rookie of the Year after throwing for 3,568 yards with a 25:9 TD:INT and tacking on a rookie quarterback record 891 rushing yards, as well as six rushing touchdowns. The Commanders trailed 9-3 when Mariota took over, but the veteran backup immediately led a touchdown drive and helped Washington come back to secure the No. 6 seed in the NFC. Daniels will look to bounce back in the wild-card round against either the Rams or Buccaneers.
Dec 30, 2024
Throws for three TDs Sunday
Daniels completed 24 of 36 pass attempts for 227 passing yards, three touchdowns and one interception while adding 127 rushing yards on 16 attempts in Sunday's 30-24 overtime win over Atlanta.
ANALYSIS
Daniels turned in a sterling second-half performance en route to a net yardage of 354 with a trio of passing touchdowns in Sunday's exciting victory over Atlanta. The rookie standout threw for at least three touchdowns for the third time over his last four appearances. Daniels will look to make another statement in his Rookie of the Year bid in next Sunday's season finale against the Cowboys.
Dec 22, 2024
Tosses five TDs in comeback win
Daniels completed 24 of 39 passes for 258 yards and five touchdowns with two interceptions in Sunday's 36-33 win over the Eagles. He added a team-high 81 rushing yards on nine carries.
ANALYSIS
The rookie quarterback added another epic comeback to his brief resume. With Washington down 27-14 headed into the fourth quarter, Daniels took over the game, tossing four-yard and 49-yard TDs to Olamide Zaccheaus on his first two drives in the final frame before hitting Jamison Crowder for a game-winning, nine-yard strike with just six seconds left on the clock. The five touchdowns were a career high for Daniels, who has thrown multiple TDs in four straight games to keep alive the possibility of the Commanders catching the Eagles for the NFC East crown. He'll look for another big performance in Week 17 against the Falcons.
Dec 15, 2024
Carries offense in tight victory
Daniels completed 25 of 31 pass attempts for 226 yards and a pair of touchdowns while taking 11 carries for 66 yards in Sunday's 20-19 win over New Orleans.
ANALYSIS
Daniels picked apart the opposition by completing 81 percent of his passes while using his legs to extend multiple drives in Sunday's one-point victory. The promising rookie recorded his fourth game with multiple touchdowns and no turnovers through 14 starts as a pro. As of the conclusion of this game, the 9-5 Commanders still have an outside shot at the NFC East title, so expect inspired play from Daniels against the first-place Eagles next Sunday.
Dec 1, 2024
Four total TDs in easy win
Daniels completed 25 of 30 passes for 206 yards, three touchdowns and one interception in Sunday's 42-19 win over the Titans. He added nine rushing attempts for 34 yards and a touchdown.
ANALYSIS
Daniels gave the Commanders a 14-0 lead with a three-yard rushing touchdown, then doubled that first-half advantage with touchdown passes of 16 and three yards to Terry McLaurin. The rookie second overall pick missed only one of his 15 first-half pass attempts but was picked off in the third quarter as the Titans cut what was once a 28-point Washington lead to 28-13 heading into the fourth quarter. He bounced back with a four-yard touchdown pass to Zach Ertz early in the fourth to snuff out any hopes of a Tennessee comeback. Daniels has thrown 15 touchdown passes and run in six touchdowns to lead the Commanders to an 8-5 record heading into their Week 14 bye.
Nov 24, 2024
Nearly 350 total yards in loss
Daniels completed 25 of 38 passes for 275 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions while adding seven rushes for 74 yards and another score in the Commanders' 34-26 loss to the Cowboys on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
For the second time this season, Daniels' passing yardage total received a serious boost from a chunk play in a game's final seconds, as the rookie connected with Terry McLaurin for an 86-yard touchdown pass with 21 seconds remaining that closed Washington's deficit to one point at the time. Prior to that throw, Daniels had struggled against an aggressive Cowboys defense that was able to sack him on four occasions and pick him off in Dallas territory in the first half. Daniels' rushing yardage total was his highest since Week 5, while his tally through the air was his best since he'd thrown for 326 against the Bears with the help of a game-winning Hail Mary in Week 8. Daniels projects to have another tough challenge on his hands when the Commanders host the Titans in a Week 13 home matchup.
Nov 14, 2024
Held in check in loss
Daniels completed 22 of 32 passes for 191 yards with one touchdown and one interception while adding seven rushes for 18 yards in the Commanders' 26-18 loss to the Eagles on Thursday night. He also threw a two-point conversion pass.
ANALYSIS
Daniels salvaged his fantasy night to an extent with a five-yard touchdown pass to Zach Ertz with 28 seconds remaining and a subsequent two-point conversion pass to the veteran tight end in the back of the end zone that was originally ruled out of bounds. Prior to that, the talented rookie had scuffled through a fairly unremarkable game that also saw him evaluated for a concussion shortly before halftime and the Eagles do an effective job of limiting his rushing yards and keeping passes in front of them. The LSU product ultimately recorded at least one completion to nine different players, but only one, Austin Ekeler, tallied more than 47 receiving yards. Daniels has now seen his passing yardage drop in three consecutive games following his career-best 326-yard showing against the Bears in Week 8, although Michael Phillips of The Richmonder also reports the second overall pick had a cut on his hand that had to be glued shut at one point in the second half. Daniels will now have extra time to regroup and recov
Nov 10, 2024
Slowed by Steelers
Daniels completed 17 of 34 passes for 202 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions in Sunday's 28-27 loss to the Steelers. He added three rushes for five yards.
ANALYSIS
Daniels struggled significantly for much of the game by averaging a season-low 5.9 yards per attempt. In addition to not finding the end zone, Daniels' fantasy performance was limited by his lack of rushing production as he was held below 20 rushing yards on the ground for the first time this season. Nevertheless, there were a few positives to take away from the performance, as Daniel had a few explosive moments, highlighted by long completions of 54, 28 and 23 yards -- two of which went to Terry McLaurin -- and did not turn the ball over. He'll look to bounce back from the worst performance of his stellar rookie season in a pivotal Week 11 divisional showdown with the Eagles.
Nov 3, 2024
Pair of passing scores
Daniels completed 15 of 22 passes for 209 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions in Sunday's 27-22 win over the Giants. He added eight rushes for 35 yards.
ANALYSIS
Daniels led the Commanders on three scoring drives in the first half, two of which he capped with passing touchdowns. He delivered a one-yard score on a short field after a Giants turnover and then ended the second quarter with an 18-yard strike -- both of which went to Terry McLaurin. The run game was the focus of Washington's offense throughout the game which led to relatively modest numbers from Daniels, though he continued to produce very well on a per-attempt basis with five completions of at least 20 yards.
Nov 1, 2024
Good to go
Daniels (ribs) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game at the Giants, Ralph Vacchiano of Fox Sports reports.
ANALYSIS
Daniels played through the same injury last week without any reported complications, and he's now closed out Week 9 prep with his first full practice since hurting his ribs Week 7. He shouldn't have any limitations this Sunday and remains one of the top fantasy options at his position, combining efficient passing with frequent, effective running.
Oct 31, 2024
Stays limited in practice
Daniels (ribs) practiced in a limited capacity Thursday.
ANALYSIS
After getting knocked out of Week 7 action against the Panthers early due to a rib injury, Daniels was able to suit up this past Sunday against the Bears and log 100 percent of the offensive snaps en route to 326 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions on 21-for-38 passing while rushing eight times for 52 yards. The performance, including a game-winning Hail Mary to WR Noah Brown, all but cleared up that he'll be OK on game days, but he'll continue to operate with a cap on his practice reps in the short term. Friday's injury report will unveil whether or not Daniels enters the weekend with a designation for Sunday's road matchup with the Giants.
Oct 30, 2024
Limited in practice
Daniels (ribs) was a limited practice participant Wednesday, Adam Caplan of SiriusXM NFL Radio reports.
ANALYSIS
Daniels played through the same injury in Sunday's 18-15 win over the Bears, with no report of a setback during the game or after. His stats didn't look especially good prior to a game-winning hail mary, but that could have more to do with Chicago's stellar defense than Daniels' rib injury. Either way, the rookie figures to play this Sunday at the Giants.
Oct 27, 2024
Walk-off win against Bears
Daniels completed 21 of 38 passes for 326 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions in Sunday's 18-15 win over the Bears. He added eight rushes for 52 yards.
ANALYSIS
It was a mild surprise that Daniels was active after he sustained a rib injury in Week 7 and went on to practice just once in a limited capacity during the week. He still managed to be active on the ground, highlighted by a long gain of 13 yards, and he was also effective on passing attempts down the field. Daniels completed five passes of at least 20 yards with a long of 61 to Terry McLaurin that set up a field goal later in the first quarter. However, the highlight of the day came on the final play of the game, when Daniels launched a Hail Mary that landed in the arms of Noah Brown after a deflection for a 56-yard score to win the game. That padded Daniels' stat line in an unsustainable way, but he still put together a solid performance given the combination of his injury and a tough matchup against the Bears.
Oct 27, 2024
Active in Week 8
Daniels (ribs) is listed as active Sunday versus the Bears.
ANALYSIS
One week removed from lasting just one possession due to a rib injury, Daniels will suit up after being capped to just one limited session (Friday) during Week 8 prep. He'll thus continue to start under center as he and the Commanders take on fellow rookie quarterback Caleb Williams.
Oct 27, 2024
Slated to start Sunday
Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said Daniels (ribs) remains listed as questionable but is slated to start Sunday against the Bears, barring a last-minute setback, Tracy Wolfson of CBS Sports reports.
ANALYSIS
Daniels is still planning on going through a pregame workout before the Commanders officially clear him to play when the team releases its inactive list approximately 90 minutes before the 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff. Due to the rib cartilage injury he sustained early in last week's win over the Panthers, Daniels didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday, but he returned to the field as a limited participant Friday. Quinn told Wolfson that Daniels looked good during that session, and with Ian Rapoport of NFL Network noting that Daniels attended every walk-through this week, the full playbook should be available for the rookie quarterback Sunday.
Oct 27, 2024
Confirmation on status to arrive soon
Daniels (ribs) remains listed as questionable but will meet with team officials roughly around 12:45 p.m. ET before the Commanders confirm definitively whether or not he'll play Sunday against the Bears, Jay Glazer reported on "Fox NFL Sunday."
ANALYSIS
All reports in the past 24 hours regarding Daniels have been positive in the run-up to the Commanders' 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff. Assuming team officials are comfortable with Daniels' health coming out of his upcoming meeting, he should get the Week 8 starting nod over Marcus Mariota.
Oct 27, 2024
Signs point to playing
Daniels (rib), who is listed as questionable for Sunday's contest against the Bears, has all signs pointing toward him playing but the team will need to see how he feels during pregame warmups, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports. Daniels said Friday he felt good and wants to play, but said it wasn't his decision, the report adds.
ANALYSIS
Daniels lasted just one possession this past Sunday against the Panthers due to a rib injury that has his status uncertain for Week 8. He began the week with back-to-back absences from practice Wednesday and Thursday, but was a limited participant Friday. Despite this report, Daniels' status won't be confirmed until about 90 minutes before a 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff. If Daniels ends up sitting out, Marcus Mariota will direct the Commanders offense.
Oct 25, 2024
Status in question for Sunday
Daniels (rib) is listed as questionable for Sunday's contest against the Bears.
ANALYSIS
Daniels last just one possession this past Sunday against the Panthers due to a rib injury that left his status truly up in the air for Week 8. He opened it with back-to-back absences Wednesday and Thursday, but coach Dan Quinn told asdf on Friday that Daniels would be limited to end the week and be listed as questionable for Sunday's game, which has come to pass. Daniels' status thus won't be confirmed until about 90 minutes before a 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff. If Daniels ends up sitting out, Marcus Mariota will direct the Commanders offense.
Oct 25, 2024
Limited in practice, looks like GTD
Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said Friday that Daniels (ribs) was able to practice in a limited capacity Friday and that a decision on his availability for Week 8 will be made "over the next 48 hours," Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
Quinn said Daniels was able to handle team drills after taking part in core and strength work, per Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post. The rookie No. 2 overall pick missed practice Wednesday and Thursday after a ribs injury forced him out of Washington's win over Carolina in Week 7 after the first series, but despite not being spotted at the early portion of Friday's practice, it looks like Daniels made significant on-field progress. Quinn said Daniels "really pushed it" Friday at practice, per Jhabvala. Mike Garafolo of NFL Network confirms that Friday's official injury report will officially list Daniels as a limited participant at practice, and it sounds like the rookie phenom will also be labeled 'questionable' and be considered a game-time decision for Sunday's contest against the Bears. Marcus Mariota will be in line to start if Daniels can't go.
Oct 25, 2024
Not spotted at Friday's practice
Daniels (ribs) is not present at the early portion of Friday's practice open to the media, John Keim of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Daniels appears to be missing a third straight practice after a ribs injury forced him out of Washington's win over the Panthers in Week 7 after the team's first possession. If Friday's official injury report confirms an absence for Daniels, it will signal the rookie No. 2 overall pick likely sitting out Sunday's contest against Chicago. Marcus Mariota will be in line to start against the Bears if Daniels can't go, with Jeff Driskel and practice squad man Sam Hartman available as depth options.
Oct 24, 2024
Still not practicing
Daniels (ribs) officially didn't practice Thursday.
ANALYSIS
Daniels didn't see any game action after the first possession of this past Sunday's win against the Panthers due to a rib issue. On Monday, coach Dan Quinn termed Daniels "week-to-week," per Ben Standig of The Athletic, but there's been hope along the way that he'd be able to suit up for a Week 8 matchup against the Bears. Adam Schefter of ESPN reported Thursday that the Commanders plan for Daniels to take the practice field Friday, so his ensuing listing on the team's injury report may give a sense of his chances to suit up this weekend.
Oct 24, 2024
Absent from practice Thursday
Daniels (ribs) is not present for the early portion of Thursday's practice open to the media, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.
ANALYSIS
Daniels is missing a second consecutive due to a ribs injury sustained Week 7, with Adam Schefter of ESPN noting that the Commanders plan for the rookie No. 2 overall pick to attempt to handle some reps Friday. Washington hasn't yet officially made a decision on whether Daniels will suit up for Sunday's upcoming matchup against the Bears and rookie No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams, but if he can't gain clearance for Week 8, Marcus Mariota will be in line to draw the start.
Oct 23, 2024
Not practicing Wednesday
Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said Wednesday that Daniels (ribs) will not participate in practice, Josina Anderson of CBS Sports reports.
ANALYSIS
Daniels will miss Wednesday's practice as a result of the ribs injury that forced him out of Washington's blowout win over the Panthers in Week 7 during the first quarter. Quinn called the rookie No. 2 overall pick week-to-week shortly after the Week 7 win, but he also expressed some optimism that Daniels would be able to suit up for Sunday's game against the Bears and No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams. If Daniels isn't able to notably upgrade his participation level during practice Thursday and/or Friday, however, it looks like Marcus Mariota will be set to start Week 8.
Oct 21, 2024
Considered week-to-week
Coach Dan Quinn said Monday that Daniels (ribs) is considered week-to-week, Ben Standig of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
The Commanders are "hopeful" Daniels will be able to play next Sunday against the Bears, in a matchup that would pit Nos. 1 and 2 overall picks Caleb Williams and Daniels head to head. Quinn confirmed Daniels injured his ribs on the team's first offensive play from scrimmage against Carolina on Sunday, a 46-yard run by the rookie quarterback. Daniels ended up playing 10 total offensive snaps before leaving the contest, giving way to Marcus Mariota the rest of the way in the 40-7 blowout win. It sounds like Daniels has avoided a serious injury, but there's a possibility he does miss more game action moving forward.
Oct 20, 2024
Set for further testing on ribs
Daniels (ribs) will undergo further testing Monday on the injury that forced him out of Sunday's 40-7 win over the Panthers, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.
ANALYSIS
Head coach Dan Quinn didn't have an immediate update on Daniels' status after the game, though the quarterback was in good spirits and celebrating with teammates after the game. Washington kept rolling right along with backup quarterback Marcus Mariota after Daniels' absence, but clarity on which quarterback is likely to start against the Bears in Week 8 won't be provided until the results of Daniels' tests Monday are revealed.
Oct 20, 2024
Ruled out Sunday
Daniels won't return to Sunday's game versus the Panthers due to a rib injury.
ANALYSIS
After a 46-run to kick off the Commanders' first possession, Daniels was seen grabbing at his midsection until the team was set up for a successful Austin Seibert field-goal attempt. Daniels then got examined on the bench and in sideline tent before going to the locker room, where the CBS broadcast reported that he was undergoing X-rays. After halftime, he rejoined his teammates on the sideline in street clothes, ending Week 7 with six yards on 2-for-2 passing and three carries for 50 yards. Marcus Mariota will direct Washington's offense for as long as Daniels may be sidelined.
Oct 20, 2024
Has rib injury
Daniels suffered a rib injury during Sunday's game versus the Panthers, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.
ANALYSIS
Daniels was clutching at his midsection for most of the Commanders' first possession following a 46-yard run. He then visited the sideline tent and threw some passes once he emerged from the evaluation, but he wasn't able to reenter the contest, instead going to the locker room for X-rays, per the CBS broadcast. Marcus Mariota took over Washington's offense upon Daniels' departure.
Oct 13, 2024
Tosses two TDs in loss
Daniels completed 24 of 35 passes for 269 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday's 30-23 loss to the Ravens. He added 22 rushing yards on six carries.
ANALYSIS
The rookie quarterback was mostly held in check on the ground, posting his lowest rushing-yard total through his first six NFL games, but Daniels still hit Terry McLaurin for TDs in the second and fourth quarters while setting a new career high in passing yards. Daniels has produced an impressive 10 touchdowns (six passing, four rushing) against only two INTs so far, and in Week 7 he'll get a much softer opponent in the struggling Panthers.
Oct 6, 2024
Overcomes slow start in win
Daniels completed 14 of 25 passes for 238 yards and one touchdown with one interception and added 82 rushing yards on 11 carries in Sunday's 34-13 win over the Browns.
ANALYSIS
While the Browns defense was able to force some misfires from Daniels early and hold him below a 60 percent completion rate for the first time in his career, the rookie QB still came up with plenty of big plays both through the air and on the ground, including a 41-yard dime in the end zone to Dyami Brown right before halftime that essentially put the game away. Daniels has produced eight TDs (four passing, four rushing) through his first five NFL games against only two turnovers, and in Week 6 he'll take on a Ravens defense that just got lit up for 392 yards and five touchdowns by Joe Burrow.
Sep 29, 2024
Accurate again in dominant win
Daniels completed 26 of 30 passes for 233 yards, one touchdown and one interception in Sunday's 42-14 win over the Cardinals. He added eight rushing attempts for 47 yards and a touchdown. Daniels also threw a two-point conversion.
ANALYSIS
Daniels has completed 47 of 53 passes while leading the Commanders to 80 points over the last two weeks. The rookie second overall pick scored his fourth rushing touchdown on a nine-yard run early in the third quarter, then threw his third passing touchdown of the campaign with a 10-yard pass to Terry McLaurin in the fourth. Daniels has taken the NFL by storm with his mix of elusiveness and accuracy, and he'll look to keep rolling in Week 5, when the 3-1 Commanders host the 1-3 Browns.
Sep 23, 2024
Spearheads big road victory
Daniels completed 21 of 23 passes for 254 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions while adding 12 rushes for 39 yards and another score in the Commanders' 38-33 win over the Bengals on Monday night.
ANALYSIS
Eight days after securing his first NFL win in the form of a 21-18 victory over the Giants, Daniels faced and passed a much tougher test in a road primetime clash against a fully healthy Bengals offense. Facing off with fellow LSU alum Joe Burrow, Daniels went toe to toe with the 2020 first overall pick and emerged the victor courtesy of his four-yard scoring run and one and 27-yard touchdown tosses to Trent Scott and Terry McLaurin, respectively -- the first two TD passes of his career. Daniels impressively helped keep the heat on the desperate Bengals in the second half after Washington had established a surprising 21-13 halftime lead, and he helmed a critical 12-play, 70-yard drive in the fourth quarter in which he completed seven passes, including the 27-yard scoring strike to McLaurin. Three games into his pro career, Daniels already looks like he has firm command of coordinator Kliff Kingsbury's quarterback-friendly offense, and he'll head into a Week 4 road showdown with Kyler Murray and the Cardinals
Sep 15, 2024
Does just enough for first NFL win
Daniels completed 23 of 29 passes for 226 yards in Sunday's 21-18 win over the Giants. He added 44 rushing yards on 10 carries.
ANALYSIS
The rookie quarterback led the Commanders on seven scoring drives, but all seven resulted in field goals rather than finishing in the end zone. Daniels did a good job of taking care of the ball though, despite fierce pressure from the Giants defense that resulted in five sacks. The second overall pick in the 2024 Draft has been brought down seven times through his first two games, and the inability of the Washington offensive line to protect Daniels could encourage coordinator Kliff Kingsbury to continue having him throw quick. high-percentage passes. Daniels will likely need to use his legs again in Week 3 against the Bengals.
Sep 8, 2024
Two rushing TDs in losing debut
Daniels completed 17 of 24 passes for 184 yards while rushing 16 times for 88 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday's 37-20 loss to the Buccaneers.
ANALYSIS
Daniels scored one-yard rushing touchdowns in the third and fourth quarters, in addition to coming just 12 yards shy of ending Washington's 22-game drought without a 100-yard rusher. The rookie second overall pick was ineffective as a passer, though, with most of his production coming after the game was well out of reach. He also put the ball on the ground three times, but all three fumbles were recovered by the Commanders. Daniels has a nice opportunity to take a step forward throwing the ball in Week 2, when he makes his home debut against a Giants team that's coming off a 28-6 loss to the Vikings.
Aug 23, 2024
Won't play Sunday
Daniels will not play in the Commanders' preseason finale against the Patriots Sunday night, Ben Standig of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Daniels will rest along with a number of the Commanders' other locked-in starters. The No. 2 overall pick in April's draft, Daniels wraps up his preseason having completed 12 of 15 passes for 123 scoreless yards and a 3-16-1 rushing line. The next time we see Daniels will be Week 1 in Tampa Bay. He's shaping up as a fringe QB1/2 in fantasy drafts.
Aug 19, 2024
Officially named Week 1 starter
Coach Dan Quinn announced Monday that Daniels will open the regular season as Washington's starting quarterback, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.
ANALYSIS
Daniels has effectively operated as the Commanders' starting QB throughout training camp, with Marcus Mariota (groin) working as his backup, so to see the rookie No. 2 overall pick officially slated to open Week 1 under center doesn't come as a surprise. In two preseason appearances so far Daniels has been impressive, especially during Saturday night's loss to the Dolphins. Daniels played the Commanders' first two drives versus Miami and completed 10 of 12 passes for 78 yards, while rushing twice for 13 yards. Even if Daniels takes some time to fully adapt to the competition level of the NFL, his rushing capabilities will immediately thrust him onto the fantasy radar as an opening-day starter Week 1 versus the Buccaneers.
Aug 17, 2024
Another encouraging effort in loss
Daniels completed 10 of 12 passes for 78 yards and rushed twice for 13 yards in the Commanders' 13-6 preseason loss to the Dolphins on Saturday night.
ANALYSIS
The rookie signal-caller followed up an encouraging but brief appearance in the Commanders' preseason opener against the Jets with an even better performance Saturday night. Daniels played on Washington's first two series and remained busy throughout, having a hand in eight consecutive plays on the opening possession after Brian Robinson logged the first touch from scrimmage. Daniels led the team into field-goal territory on both drives, although placekicker Riley Patterson was able to make good on only one of those opportunities. Nevertheless, it was yet another feather in the summertime cap of the second overall pick, who appears ready to handle the challenge of the NFL regular season with one preseason contest still remaining.
Aug 17, 2024
Should play a drive or two
Daniels and other starters are expected to play one or two drives in Saturday's preseason game at Miami, Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
Daniels played one series in the preseason opener last Saturday against the Jets, completing two of three passes for 45 yards and rushing for a three-yard TD. It sounds like he and the other starters won't play much more than that this Saturday.
Aug 10, 2024
Runs in TD on only drive Saturday
Daniels completed two of three passes for 45 yards and rushed once for a three-yard touchdown in Saturday's 20-17 preseason loss to the Jets.
ANALYSIS
Daniels' first NFL game action got off to an ideal start, as he connected with Dyami Brown for a 42-yard gain on his second pass and ultimately capped the opening drive with a three-yard touchdown run. That was the only drive Daniels played, but the rookie second overall pick still managed to put his dual-threat skill set on display during his short time in the game. Marcus Mariota played the next drive, which went three-and-out. Daniels is on track to open the regular season as the starter over Mariota, and the rookie could get a more extensive dress rehearsal in next Saturday's preseason game against the Dolphins.
Aug 6, 2024
Listed as QB1, ready for start
Daniels is listed atop the initial preseason depth chart and will start Saturday's preseason game against the Jets, Ben Standig of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Daniels is one of three Washington rookies listed as a starter, with the others being LT Brandon Coleman (67th overall pick) and slot corner Mike Sainristil (50th). In Daniels' case, there's never really been any doubt, as he's taken more first-team reps than Marcus Mariota throughout training camp. The No. 2 overall pick won't have the best talent around him Year 1, but his running ability hints at fantasy value even if the Commanders' passing game is subpar.
Aug 4, 2024
Playing in preseason opener
Daniels is expected to play in Saturday's preseason opener on the road against the Jets, John Keim of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Daniels has been the Commanders' first quarterback during the full-team sessions at practice and he appears likely to be the starter against New York. The second-overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft is battling with Marcus Mariota for the starting job in Washington this season, but Daniels seems to have the edge heading into the preseason.
Jul 23, 2024
Splits starting reps to begin camp
Coach Dan Quinn said Tuesday that Daniels and Marcus Mariota are splitting first-team reps to begin training camp, Albert Breer of SI.com reports.
ANALYSIS
"When [Daniels] is ready, we'll know," Quinn said. During June minicamp it was Daniels, the second overall pick of the 2024 draft, who received most of the first-team reps, but it sounds as though the Commanders want him to now earn the No. 1 role in training camp. All things considered, it would come as a surprise if Mariota and not Daniels opened the season under center for Washington, but the team has yet to name a Week 1 starter, and it could take until the preseason until clarity on the quarterback competition officially arrives. Daniels may need some time to fully acclimate to the aerial components of offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury's scheme, but even if he's rough around the edges early on, the reigning Heisman winner projects as a high-upside fantasy option right off the bat due to his tremendous dual-threat ability.
Jun 23, 2024
Works with starters at minicamp
Daniels got most of the first-team reps at June minicamp, Ralph Vacchiano of FOX Sports reports.
ANALYSIS
Commanders WR Terry McLaurin, RB Austin Ekeler and head coach Dan Quinn all offered glowing praise during minicamp, mentioning Daniels' work ethic, leadership and understanding of Kliff Kingsbury's offense. Even so, Quinn hasn't determined a Week 1 starter and said the plan all along was for Daniels and Marcus Mariota to split first-team snaps during spring practices, per John Keim of ESPN.com. Reports from training camp in late July and early August should provide a better idea as to whether Daniels is truly competing with Mariota or is all but locked in for the Week 1 start at Tampa Bay.