John KeimSep 24, 2025, 04:33 PM ET
- John Keim covers the Washington Commanders for ESPN. He joined ESPN in 2013 after a stint with the Washington Post. He started covering the team in 1994 for the Journal Newspapers and later for the Washington Examiner. He has authored/co-authored four books. You can also listen to him on 'The John Keim Report', which airs on ESPN Richmond radio.
ASHBURN, Va. -- Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels said he feels good and more like himself -- but that doesn't mean he'll play at the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.
"It's up to the doctors, not my decision," Daniels said.
Daniels was limited in practice Wednesday after not participating last week before sitting out a 41-24 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. Receiver Terry McLaurin (right quad) was not on the practice field, putting his status in question for the Commanders (2-1) when they play the Falcons (1-2).
Daniels wore a brace on his left knee during practice, but said if he plays he's not sure yet if he'd need it in a game. He said he's never wore one in a game.
"It's something to get used to," Daniels said. "The doctors haven't said that decision yet, so that will be a conversation."
And when asked if he feels any level of discomfort when on the field Daniels said, "No, I'm myself." "I feel good so I don't think [the knee] affects me," he said.
During the portion of practice open to the media, Daniels participated in individual throwing drills -- having to sturdy his stance with his sprained left knee. At times he rolled three steps to his left, turned and threw to his right. He'd mimic sliding in the pocket, then plant and throw.
"He's doing everything you possibly can to get there," Washington coach Dan Quinn said. "The guy's the ultimate competitor for us."
Quinn said Daniels -- the 2024 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year who had not missed a game until Sunday -- did some work Monday and was scheduled to increase his activity Tuesday.
Daniels said he's done enough running and cutting "to feel good if I play on Sunday."
Daniels was hurt on the first play of the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers in Week 2 when he scrambled upfield and took a helmet to his left knee. He said he did not realize in the moment that he was hurt.
"I'm a football player, you might take some shots here and there but it wasn't stopping me from finishing the game," Daniels said.
Marcus Mariota started in place of Daniels and completed 15 of 21 passes for 207 yards and a touchdown. He also ran six times for 40 yards. His last start was in Week 13 of the 2022 season with Atlanta, whom the Commanders visit Sunday. Mariota started 13 games for the Falcons in 2022.
In the last two seasons, in the nine quarters when he's had to replace an injured Daniels, Mariota has completed 48 of 62 passes for 573 yards, five touchdowns and no interceptions. Washington is 3-0 in those games.
"Super happy for him," Daniels said. "He deserves everything. He's my biggest supporter so it was my turn last week to be his."
McLaurin injured his right quad against the Raiders while being tackled as he lunged for the end zone at the end of what turned out to be a 56-yard catch with 4 minutes 47 seconds left in the third quarter. McLaurin bounced up, ready to celebrate what was initially ruled a touchdown.
McLaurin did not return to the game, which Washington led 34-10 entering the fourth quarter.
He has sought multiple opinions on the injury.
"It's pretty normal that when you have something that a second opinion takes place," Quinn said. "It's really common, almost every does that."
If McLaurin can't play it's possible Washington would be minus two of its top three receivers for Sunday. Noah Brown (groin) did not play against the Raiders.
In addition to Daniels, McLaurin and Brown the Commanders' offense also is missing running back Austin Ekeler (on injured reserve for an Achilles injury) and tight end John Bates (groin), who did not play against the Raiders. Neither Brown nor Bates practiced Wednesday.
