Commanders consider starting quarterback Jayden Daniels in Week 5 if cleared
Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels is expected to be ready for the Week 5 game against the Giants if he completes a full practice week, while Marcus Mariota remains the starter for the current matchup.
Washington is evaluating quarterback Jayden Daniels for a possible start in its Week 5 game against the New York Giants. Daniels, who suffered a dislocated left elbow in Week 2, has participated in limited practice sessions this week after traveling with the team to London for the Week 4 contest against the Indianapolis Colts. Sources close to the team say a full week of practice could make him available for the Giants matchup, though he will sit out the Colts game.
Marcus Mariota, who is recovering from a preseason MCL sprain, will continue to start at quarterback for the Colts game and is expected to start again until Daniels is cleared. If Mariota remains unavailable for Week 5, rookie seventh-rounder Athan Kaliakmanis could receive his first start.
Daniels told reporters he will defer any decision on offseason elbow surgery until after the season, and NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo noted he is “on track” to return. Coach Dan Quinn confirmed Daniels will practice “in some capacity” this week to assess his physical condition.
The Commanders, currently 1-3, are hoping to have Daniels back for the divisional matchup, but the team will prioritize caution given his recent injury history.