Fans were anxiously awaiting further news from the Washington Commanders regarding some troubling injury issues that occurred in Week 2 against the Green Bay Packers. Unsurprisingly, quarterback Jayden Daniels was right at the top of their concerns.
Insiders already revealed that running back Austin Ekeler and defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr. were out for the entire season. John Bates and Noah Brown left the game with groin injuries to further worry the team. Daniels sustained a knee complication that was serious enough to require an MRI following the clash.
Dan Quinn wasn't keen to give more information until he met with the media on Monday. But as is typically the case with players of Daniels' stature, the information gets leaked beforehand.
Jayden Daniels status for Week 3 in doubt after latest injury update
According to Ian Rapoport from the NFL Network, Daniels suffered a sprained knee. Although the problem isn't too serious, the former LSU standout's status for this weekend's game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Northwest Stadium is now in doubt.
The Commanders will take their time with Daniels this week. They cannot afford to throw him back out there too soon, and this complication becomes something more serious. It would be surprising if he practiced much (if at all) this week. The NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year is intensely competitive, but those in power will err on the side of caution so early in the campaign.
Daniels is the franchise player. The Commanders will only go as far as he takes them this season. Not having him for even one game represents a blow, so Washington needs to make sure the correct plans are in place to keep treading water without one of the league's most dynamic playmakers.
If Daniels cannot suit up, which looks like a legitimate possibility, the Commanders will turn to Marcus Mariota once again. He's a capable veteran who played well when called upon last season. This also has the revenge element attached against one of his old employers, which adds a fascinating wrinkle if he gets the green light.
Not having Daniels changes everything for the Commanders. But if he's forced to miss one game to preserve his health throughout the remainder of Washington's 2025 engagements, it's a small price to pay.
Time will tell...