Jayden Daniels on track for Week 5 return as Marcus Mariota deals with MCL sprain

Jayden Daniels is on pace to be back under centre for the Washington Commanders in Week 5 after missing the past two games with a dislocated left elbow. As Washington prepares for a key NFC East matchup against the New York Giants on Sunday, head coach Dan Quinn has indicated that Daniels is slated to practice fully this week.

Daniels nearing return after repeat elbow injury

Daniels previously injured the same elbow last November, costing him three games. When he returned in Week 14, he aggravated the issue, and with Washington already out of playoff contention, the team shut him down for the remainder of the season. This time, Daniels is expected to wear a substantial brace on his arm, and his ability to operate the offence effectively in practice will determine whether he is cleared to start against the Giants.

A successful return would be timely for Washington, which will be without veteran backup Marcus Mariota for an undefined stretch. Mariota helped engineer a 33-31 upset of the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks in Week 3, but exited early in last Sunday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts after suffering a knee injury in the first quarter.

Reports indicate Mariota has sustained an MCL sprain in his knee for the second time since the preseason. The Commanders are not placing him on injured reserve at this stage, a sign they expect him to miss fewer than four games. With Washington’s bye coming in Week 7, an IR designation would have sidelined him until at least Week 10.

Depth chart stress test and Jack Plummer workout

Rookie seventh-round pick Athan Kaliakmanis replaced Mariota against the Colts and completed 15 of 33 passes for 186 yards, throwing one touchdown and one interception in a 30-13 loss. Practice squad quarterback Sam Hartman is currently the only other healthy passer in the building, underscoring the importance of Daniels’ potential Week 5 return.

Given that thin depth, Washington brought in free agent quarterback Jack Plummer for a workout on Wednesday. The Commanders are not planning to sign him at the moment but may revisit the option later in the season. Plummer spent most of 2024 on the Carolina Panthers’ practice squad and was named UFL MVP this past spring as the starter for Orlando. The 26-year-old has also recently auditioned for the San Francisco 49ers, Miami Dolphins and New York Jets, though none chose to add him to their roster.