ASHBURN, Va. — Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels mentioned he feels good and extra like himself — however that doesn’t imply he’ll play on the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.
“It’s as much as the medical doctors, not my resolution,” Daniels mentioned.
Daniels was restricted in follow Wednesday after not collaborating final week earlier than sitting out a 41-24 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. Receiver Terry McLaurin (proper quad) was not on the follow discipline, placing his standing in query for the Commanders (2-1) once they play the Falcons (1-2).
Daniels wore a brace on his left knee throughout follow however mentioned that, if he performs, he’s undecided but whether or not he’d want it in a recreation. He mentioned he has by no means wore one in a recreation.
“It’s one thing to get used to,” Daniels mentioned. “The medical doctors haven’t mentioned that call but, in order that will likely be a dialog.”
And when requested whether or not he feels any stage of discomfort when on the sphere, Daniels mentioned, “No, I’m myself.”
“I really feel good so I don’t assume [the knee] impacts me,” he mentioned.
Throughout the portion of follow open to the media, Daniels participated in particular person throwing drills — having to sturdy his stance along with his sprained left knee. At instances he rolled three steps to his left, turned and threw to his proper. He’d mimic sliding within the pocket, then plant and throw.
“He’s doing every part you probably can to get there,” Washington coach Dan Quinn mentioned. “The man’s the final word competitor for us.”
Quinn mentioned that Daniels — the 2024 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Yr who had not missed a recreation till Sunday — did some work Monday and was scheduled to extend his exercise Tuesday.
Daniels mentioned he has accomplished sufficient working and reducing “to really feel good if I play on Sunday.”
Daniels was damage on the primary play of the fourth quarter in opposition to the Inexperienced Bay Packers in Week 2 when he scrambled upfield and took a helmet to his left knee. He mentioned he didn’t understand within the second that he was damage.
“I’m a soccer participant; you may take some pictures right here and there, but it surely wasn’t stopping me from ending the sport,” Daniels mentioned.
Marcus Mariota began rather than Daniels this previous Sunday and accomplished 15 of 21 passes for 207 yards and a landing. He additionally ran six instances for 40 yards. His final begin had been in Week 13 of the 2022 season with the Falcons, whom the Commanders go to Sunday. Mariota began 13 video games for Atlanta in 2022.
Within the final two seasons, within the 9 quarters when he has needed to change an injured Daniels, Mariota has accomplished 48 of 62 passes for 573 yards and 5 touchdowns, with no interceptions. Washington is 3-0 in these video games.
“Tremendous completely satisfied for him,” Daniels mentioned. “He deserves every part. He’s my greatest supporter, so it was my flip final week to be his.”
McLaurin injured his proper quad in opposition to the Raiders whereas being tackled as he lunged for the tip zone on the finish of what turned out to be a 56-yard catch with 4 minutes, 47 seconds left within the third quarter. McLaurin bounced up, able to have fun what was initially dominated a landing.
McLaurin didn’t return to the sport, which Washington led 34-10 getting into the fourth quarter.
He has sought a number of opinions on the damage.
“It’s fairly regular that when you might have one thing, {that a} second opinion takes place,” Quinn mentioned. “It’s actually frequent; nearly each does that.”
If McLaurin can’t play, it’s doable Washington could be minus two of its high three receivers for Sunday. Noah Brown (groin) didn’t play in opposition to the Raiders.
Along with Daniels, McLaurin and Brown, the Commanders’ offense is also lacking working again Austin Ekeler (on injured reserve with an Achilles damage) and tight finish John Bates (groin), who didn’t play in opposition to the Raiders. Neither Brown nor Bates practiced Wednesday.
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