The Washington Commanders face a crucial Week 3 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders with a significant change under center. Star Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels has officially been ruled out due to a knee injury. Veteran Marcus Mariota will start in his place, thrusting him into a pivotal role for the team’s next game. This decision underscores the Commanders’ commitment to safeguarding their franchise signal-caller’s long-term health, despite his competitive drive.
Jayden Daniels Sidelined: The Details Behind the Knee Injury
Jayden Daniels, the dynamic Commanders quarterback, will miss the first game of his burgeoning NFL career following a knee sprain sustained in Week 2. The injury occurred during a fourth-quarter scramble in Washington’s loss to the Green Bay Packers. Daniels, visibly affected and reaching for his knee after tackles, remained in the game, remarkably throwing two touchdown passes afterward. Despite his initial insistence that he was “good,” an MRI the following day confirmed a sprain. He was later seen in the locker room wearing a substantial brace on his left knee.
Head coach Dan Quinn emphasized the team’s “diligent” and “smart” approach to Daniels’ recovery. Quinn stated, “We’re gonna be smart, not just fast.” Daniels did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday but was limited on Friday, showing some progress. However, Quinn confirmed that Daniels was “not there all the way yet” to perform at 100%. The team outlined a rigorous return-to-play protocol, requiring Daniels to meet specific markers for leg strength and change of direction before returning. This cautious stance protects a player who was a 2024 Pro Bowler and AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, having started the first 19 games of his career.
Marcus Mariota Steps In: A Veteran Opportunity
With Jayden Daniels sidelined, Marcus Mariota will start for the Commanders against the Raiders. This marks Mariota’s first start since 2022 when he was with the Atlanta Falcons. Mariota, now in his second season with Washington, made three appearances last season. He previously performed well in relief, completing 18 of 23 passes for 205 yards and two touchdowns against the Carolina Panthers, and 15 for 18 for 161 yards with two touchdowns against the Dallas Cowboys.
Interestingly, like Daniels, Mariota was also a No. 2 overall pick in the NFL Draft, selected by the Tennessee Titans in 2015. He also has a history with the Las Vegas Raiders, having served as a backup for them from 2020-21. This provides him with familiarity against one of his former teams. Josh Johnson is expected to serve as Mariota’s backup for Sunday’s game. Raiders coach Pete Carroll had initially prepared his team to face Daniels, expecting him to play.
Impact on the Commanders’ Offense and Season Outlook
The absence of Jayden Daniels undoubtedly alters the Commanders’ offensive strategy. Daniels had been off to a solid start this season, completing 59.7% of his passes (43 for 72) for 433 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions. He also added 85 rushing yards on 18 carries, showcasing his dual-threat capability. In his standout rookie season, Daniels completed 69% of his passes for 3,568 yards and 25 touchdowns, leading Washington to the NFC Championship Game.
Marcus Mariota starting means the Commanders will rely on his experience and slightly different play style. While Mariota is also capable of making plays with his legs, Daniels’ exceptional elusiveness and dynamic running threat will be missed. The Commanders, currently 1-1, need Mariota to guide the offense effectively to avoid falling behind in the NFC East standings. This matchup against the 1-1 Raiders is crucial for maintaining a competitive early-season record.
Fantasy Football Implications: Navigating the QB Change
For fantasy football managers, the news of Jayden Daniels’ injury creates a significant dilemma. Daniels was a strong fantasy asset, offering both passing and rushing upside. His absence elevates Marcus Mariota into a surprising streaming option or a top DFS play. Mariota showed he can generate fantasy points with his legs, combining for 16 carries, 90 rushing yards, and a touchdown in his two appearances last season. The fantasy production of the Commanders’ pass-catchers, however, is expected to remain largely unchanged.
For those needing a replacement, several other quarterback streaming options are available:
Matthew Stafford (Los Angeles Rams): Roster rates are low despite solid performances (three TDs, one INT, 271.5 yards/game). A tough matchup against Philadelphia looms, but he’s a reliable choice.
Carson Wentz (Minnesota Vikings): A riskier play, but an “ideal matchup” against the Bengals, who rank fifth in passing yards allowed. He can effectively target pass-catchers.
- Russell Wilson (New York Giants): Coming off a “massive fantasy performance” (450 yards, three TDs). Facing the Chiefs’ “middle-of-the-pack secondary” suggests his success could continue.
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Other Commanders Injury Updates for Week 3
Beyond the significant news of Jayden Daniels’ injury, the Washington Commanders are managing other player health concerns ahead of their Week 3 clash. The latest injury report indicated several key players were limited or did not practice. Tight End John Bates, Wide Receiver Noah Brown, and Wide Receiver Deebo Samuel were all non-participants in Thursday’s practice. Additionally, Cornerback Trey Amos had limited participation due to a shoulder injury. These absences could further challenge the team’s depth against the Raiders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Jayden Daniels not playing in Week 3 against the Raiders?
Jayden Daniels is not playing due to a left knee sprain, which he sustained during the Commanders’ Week 2 loss to the Green Bay Packers. The team’s medical and coaching staff confirmed the injury after an MRI. Head coach Dan Quinn emphasized a cautious approach, stating that Daniels is “not there all the way yet” to perform at 100%, and the team is prioritizing his long-term health as their franchise quarterback.
Who will be the Commanders’ starting quarterback against the Las Vegas Raiders?
Veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota will start for the Washington Commanders in their Week 3 game against the Las Vegas Raiders. This will be Mariota’s first start since the 2022 season. Josh Johnson is expected to serve as the backup quarterback. Mariota, in his second season with the Commanders, has previous experience with the Raiders, having played there from 2020-21.
What are the fantasy football implications of Jayden Daniels’ injury for Week 3?
Jayden Daniels’ injury makes Marcus Mariota an immediate “top QB DFS play” and a “great streaming option” for fantasy managers. Mariota’s ability to gain rushing yards, similar to Daniels, provides a solid fantasy floor. The fantasy production for the Commanders’ pass-catchers is expected to remain consistent. For those needing alternatives, Matthew Stafford, Carson Wentz, and Russell Wilson are suggested as other streaming quarterback options for Week 3.
Conclusion
The Washington Commanders face a challenging Week 3 game with their starting quarterback, Jayden Daniels, sidelined by a knee injury. The decision to rest Daniels reflects the team’s prudent strategy to protect their vital franchise asset. Marcus Mariota starting offers a veteran presence and an opportunity for him to demonstrate his capabilities. As the Commanders (1-1) prepare to host the Las Vegas Raiders (1-1), all eyes will be on Mariota to lead the offense and keep Washington’s season on track. Fans and fantasy managers alike will be closely watching how this unexpected quarterback change impacts the crucial Sunday afternoon kickoff.
