Jayden Daniels targeted for Week 5 return as Commanders QB

The Washington Commanders are aiming to get quarterback Jayden Daniels back on the field in Week 5. After a 30-13 defeat to the Indianapolis Colts in London on Sunday, head coach Dan Quinn said the team’s expectation is that their young passer will be ready to face the New York Giants.

Quinn outlined a plan for Daniels to participate in full practices on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday after working only in a limited capacity last week. “That’s the hope for us for sure, [Jayden] coming back,” Quinn said, while noting that the staff also needs clarity on Marcus Mariota’s status before naming a starter.

Mariota hurt, Kaliakmanis pressed into action

The Commanders’ quarterback depth was tested early against the Colts. Mariota is believed to have re-aggravated a preseason MCL issue when he was sacked in the first quarter and landed awkwardly. With Daniels already sidelined, Washington turned to third-string rookie Athan Kaliakmanis, a seventh-round pick out of Rutgers.

Kaliakmanis delivered his first NFL touchdown pass but also threw a costly interception, and the Commanders managed only one score on his 10 drives. Quinn said Mariota will undergo further testing, but made it clear that the ideal scenario is for Daniels to reclaim the starting job next week if his health cooperates.

Daniels’ elbow history and battered supporting cast

Daniels is working his way back from a dislocated left elbow sustained in Week 2 against the Dallas Cowboys, when he was stepped on by left guard Chris Paul and fell awkwardly. It is his second elbow dislocation in less than a year. In 2025, he missed four weeks — three games and a bye — with a similar injury, then re-aggravated it in his first game back. With Washington already out of the playoff race at that point, he did not play again that season.

The No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 draft is set to return to an offense that has absorbed significant damage. Left tackle Laremy Tunsil tore his triceps in training camp, and right guard Sam Cosmi remains in the concussion protocol after being hurt in Week 2. Top wideout Terry McLaurin sat out Week 4 with a hamstring injury, further thinning Daniels’ options in the passing game.

Washington’s ground attack has offered limited relief, with Commanders running backs combining for just 49 rushing yards on 18 carries against Indianapolis. Quinn emphasized the need to restore balance so Daniels is not forced into constant dropback situations and exposed to additional hits. The team will monitor Daniels’ workload in practice and the results of Mariota’s tests before finalizing its Week 5 plan, but all signs point to the organization prioritizing a careful yet hopeful approach to its franchise quarterback’s return.