Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels missed the first game of his young career in Week 3, with veteran Marcus Mariota stepping in. The Commanders didn’t miss a beat, as Mariota led them to a blowout win over the Las Vegas Raiders.
Now Washington turns its attention to Week 4, when it hosts the Atlanta Falcons. The hope is to have Daniels back under center, but head coach Dan Quinn has made it clear he won’t jeopardize the second-year quarterback’s long-term health. That means Daniels could miss a second straight game as he works his way back from a sprained knee.
Here’s the latest on whether Daniels will be available in Week 4.
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Is Jayden Daniels playing this week?
After missing Week 3 against the Raiders, Jayden Daniels opened practice this week with limited participation ahead of Washington’s game Sunday. The Commanders still haven’t decided if he will start in Week 4, as the team wants to see how he gets through the week of practice first.
Daniels is already ahead of where he was last week in practice, a good sign he might be able to return to the field soon.
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Jayden Daniels injury update
Daniels is dealing with a sprained knee that he suffered in Week 2 against the Green Bay Packers, which forced him to miss a game in Week 3. The injury is not believed to be major, as the team just wanted to be cautious with its franchise quarterback.
Ahead of practice on Wednesday, Quinn said Daniels returned to practice doing the most he could in the session.
"He is doing everything you possibly can to get there," Quinn said, via Nicki Jhabvala.
Daniels also spoke with the media on Wednesday, saying he "felt good" and that he felt like himself during his return to practice. Additionally, Daniels added that he might need to play with a brace when he returns to action, although that decision will be made by doctors.
Jayden Daniels said he's never played with a brace before. When asked if he would have to wear one if he plays Sunday, he said "the doctors have to make the decision."
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) September 24, 2025
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Commanders QB depth chart
| Rank | Player |
| 1. | Jayden Daniels |
| 2. | Marcus Mariota |
| 3. | Josh Johnson |
If Daniels can’t go again, veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota will make his second straight start for the Commanders. Mariota led Washington to a decisive home victory over the Raiders in Week 3, perhaps giving the team confidence it can continue winning with him at the helm.
Journeyman quarterback Josh Johnson served as the backup last week and would fill that role again in Week 4 if Mariota starts.