The Washington Commanders will have quarterback Jayden Daniels back under center Sunday against the New York Giants after he missed the past two games with a dislocated elbow.
What changed for the franchise
Head coach Dan Quinn confirmed Friday that Daniels is cleared to start against the NFC East-leading Giants, who enter the matchup at 3-1. Daniels injured his non-throwing elbow during Washington’s Week 2 loss to the Dallas Cowboys.
The 2024 AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year was a full participant in practice Wednesday and Thursday, signaling that his return was approaching. He traveled with the club for its Week 4 game against the Indianapolis Colts in London, but was ruled out before kickoff.
Washington lost that game and also saw backup Marcus Mariota leave injured. Seventh-round rookie Athan Kaliakmanis entered in relief for his unexpected NFL debut. Kaliakmanis is now set to serve as Daniels’ backup against New York.
Daniels returns with Washington at 1-3 and looking to halt a slide that followed last season’s 5-12 finish. The Commanders have gone 4-8 in games without Daniels across the past two years.
In two starts this season, Daniels has completed 29 of 51 throws for 260 yards and three touchdowns. He has added 100 rushing yards on 12 carries, though Washington lost both games.
Since Washington selected him second overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, Daniels has compiled a 14-12 record as a starter. Most of those victories came during his 12-4 rookie season, when the Commanders reached the NFC Championship Game.
Washington’s receiving group will not be fully intact for Daniels’ return. Stefon Diggs has been ruled out with a hamstring injury, while Terry McLaurin practiced Friday and appeared to be progressing well in his own hamstring recovery.
Next kickoff
Washington hosts the New York Giants on Sunday.
