Daniels suffered a knee injury during Washington’s defeat to the Green Bay Packers, thus ruling him out for Week 3.
Why isn’t Jayden Daniels playing for the Commanders against the Raiders in Week 3? Washington QB’s injury status
The Washington Commanders were bracing for the worst after Jayden Daniels went down with a knee injury in their Week 2 loss to the Green Bay Packers - and it appears the situation is bad enough to keep him on the sidelines against the Raiders.
NFL Network revealed on Monday that Daniels had been diagnosed with a knee sprain following an MRI, with Commanders head coach Dan Quinn later stating: “He has already begun his return-to-play process with us.”
“Truly day to day”
While the injury isn’t season-ending, Daniels’ status for the Commanders’ Week 3 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders next weekend remains uncertain.
“He is truly day to day,” Quinn told reporters on Monday. “What does that mean for Sunday? I can’t tell you that now. I’ll have more to share on that when we get to Wednesday and practice, and what that would look like.
“But in the return-to-play, he and any of the guys would have to hit all of the markers for us to get back and do our thing. We’ve got a good plan of how to return to play for him and everybody else, and I’ll give you more insights just as soon as I have them.”
Commanders announce that Daniels won’t play against the Raiders in Week 3
Commanders QB Jayden Daniels (knee) ruled out for Week 3. Marcus Mariota to start vs. Raiders. pic.twitter.com/zLqbPzQeBN
— NFL (@NFL) September 19, 2025
Daniels, now in his second year out of LSU, completed 24 of 42 passes for 200 yards and two touchdowns against Green Bay. He added seven rushing attempts but managed just 17 yards on the ground.
The reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year made a splash in his debut season, throwing for 3,568 yards, 25 touchdowns,and only nine interceptions.
The Washington Commanders are doing the right thing with Jayden Daniels by not playing him with a knee injury. Don’t play with his long term future for short term gain. All players want to play, but it is the organizations job to protect the players future. Bravo
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) September 19, 2025
Who will replace Daniels at quarterback?
Dan Quinn has made his decision and will start veteran Marcus Mariota will get the nod as the starter, with journeyman Josh Johnson serving as QB3.
Mariota, a 10-year NFL veteran, brings plenty of starting experience to the table. He’s appeared in 93 regular-season games, starting 74 of them. His career record stands at 34-40, with 16,184 passing yards, 97 touchdowns and 55 interceptions.
Raiders vs Commanders: when, where?
In Week 3 of the 2025 NFL season, the Commanders host the Raiders on Sunday, Sep. 21, with kick-off at Northwest Stadium scheduled for 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT. Like Washington, Las Vegas is 1-1 after two games.
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