Commanders QB Jayden Daniels (knee) on potentially playing in Week 4 vs. Falcons: 'It’s up to the doctors'

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2025-09-24

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Jayden Daniels‘ absence didn’t hold back the Commanders in Week 3, but his health could prevent him from returning Sunday.

Daniels, who is dealing with a knee sprain, returned to practice in limited fashion on Wednesday and spoke with reporters, offering little clarity on whether he’ll play in Washington’s Week 4 game at the Atlanta Falcons.

“It’s up to the doctors, not my decision,” Daniels said succinctly.

Daniels added he feels “good” but also remained vague when answering questions, noting he doesn’t believe his knee injury affects his ability to perform and he’s able to move well “enough to feel good if I play on Sunday,” while emphasizing “it’s not my decision.”

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Commanders head coach Dan Quinn made the choice to sit Daniels in Week 3 and turn to backup Marcus Mariota, a call that proved wise in Washington’s 41-24 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. The decision didn’t seem to sit quite right with the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year.

“I’ll leave that between me and him,” Daniels said when asked how reacted to Quinn’s decision last week. “It wasn’t like the most, ‘yeah, OK. I’ma sit out.’ “

In Daniels’ absence, Mariota completed 15 of 21 passes for 207 yards and a touchdown, and added six carries for 40 yards and a rushing score, commanding the offense in veteran fashion and helping them generate 400 yards of offense. If doctors don’t clear Daniels in time for Sunday’s game, Mariota will be expected to take his place again versus a stingier defense in Atlanta.

For now, though, the Commanders will continue to hold out hope through the rest of the week.

“Jayden will continue his return to play process,” Quinn said Wednesday. “We’ll see him out there today in limited fashion. We’ll continue to rely on the medical team, you know, to fully clear him. What I can say is that he is doing everything he possibly can to get there. The guy’s the ultimate competitor for us. You know that. I know that.”