Sun Sep 21 12:50:00 UTC 2025: **Washington Commanders’ Rookie Sensation Jayden Daniels Sidelined with Knee Injury; Mariota to Start**

**ASHBURN, VA** – Washington Commanders fans will have to wait a week longer to see rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels in action. Head Coach Dan Quinn announced Friday that Daniels will miss Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders due to a sprained knee sustained during Thursday night’s loss to the Green Bay Packers.

Veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota will take the reins in Daniels’ absence, marking his first start since December 2022, when he played for the Atlanta Falcons.

“We’re going to be smart, not just fast,” Quinn said, emphasizing caution regarding Daniels’ return. “He’s a competitor who wants to be out there, but we need to be diligent and ensure he’s fully ready.”

Daniels, the second overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, has had a promising start to his career, completing nearly 60% of his passes for 433 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions through the first two games. He has also contributed 85 rushing yards.

Mariota, also a former No. 2 overall pick (2015, Tennessee Titans), brings a wealth of experience to the Commanders’ offense. He signed with the team last year and is familiar with the system. Notably, the Raiders are one of Mariota’s former teams, having played backup there from 2020-21.

The Commanders (1-1) will host the Raiders (1-1) on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.

**Around the League: Other Injury Updates**

* **Buccaneers:** Defensive tackle Calijah Kancey (torn pectoral) could potentially return if the team makes a deep playoff run.
* **Browns:** Rookie running back Quinshon Judkins is expected to start against the Packers.
* **Packers:** Tight end Tucker Kraft is expected to play versus Cleveland despite suffering a knee injury.
* **49ers:** Quarterback Brock Purdy is questionable for the game against the Arizona Cardinals and is unlikely to start.
* **Chiefs:** Wide receiver Xavier Worthy (shoulder) is questionable for Kansas City’s Week 3 game against the Giants.
* **Falcons:** Following Parker Romo’s performance on Sunday night, the Falcons released Younghoe Koo.
* **Broncos:** Running back J.K. Dobbins has extra motivation to hit the century mark on Sunday against the Chargers, his former team.

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