It’s Official: Jayden Daniels Is Out in Devastating Blow — Will Not Play Against Las Vegas

Update from the earlier edition of this article: Washington Commanders QB Jayden Daniels is out for the game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Daniels suffered a knee injury against Green Bay last week.  “He was just not all the way there yet,” Commanders Coach Dan Quinn said while making the announcement. 

Earlier today, all indications were that Daniels would be out. Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post first reported that Daniels wasn’t on the field for the media-access portion of Friday’s practice. Daniels has been listed as “Questionable” on the injury list all week. 

Mariota Ready to Step Up for Commanders

Marcus Mariota knows the drill. When your number gets called in the NFL, you better be ready to deliver. The Washington backup quarterback has been taking first-team reps and preparing like he’s getting the start.

The 30-year-old Mariota brings a calming presence that coaches and teammates trust completely. Head coach Dan Quinn didn’t mince words when discussing his backup’s readiness: “If called upon, we would certainly expect Marcus to deliver in the fashion that he does. He has been like a real standard as a Commander, player and teammate in elite ways.” 

That confidence stems from Mariota’s stellar performance last season when pressed into action. In two appearances, Mariota completed 77.3% of his passes for 364 yards and four touchdowns, including a clutch game-winning touchdown pass to Terry McLaurin against Dallas with just two seconds remaining.

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

System Fit Makes Transition Seamless

What makes Mariota such a valuable insurance policy is his ability to run the same offense that Daniels operates. The veteran quarterback’s dual-threat capabilities mean offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury doesn’t need to scrap the game plan if Mariota gets the nod. His 33-yard scramble that helped seal last year’s Week 18 victory over the Cowboys proved he still has enough wheels to extend plays, even if he jokes about not being quite as fast as he was in his early twenties. 

McLaurin, who caught that game-winner against Dallas, expressed complete confidence in their connection: “The timing is there. The great thing about it is that we’re both vets, and we have a good feel of this offense and what it’s supposed to look like.”