Jayden Daniels injury update: Commanders QB reportedly dealing with sprained knee, could miss time

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels underwent an MRI following this past Thursday’s loss to the Green Bay Packers. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, he was diagnosed with a sprained knee, and while it’s not a long-term injury, he could miss some time.

“Commanders QB Jayden Daniels, who underwent an MRI following the loss to the Packers, was diagnosed with a sprained knee, per me and Mike Garafolo,” Rapoport posted on X. “Not a long-term injury, but Daniels’ status this week vs the Raiders is in doubt.”

That’s certainly disappointing for Daniels, who had a great Week 1, passing for 233 yards and a touchdown in Washington’s 15-point home win over the New York Giants. However, his performance against the Packers left a bit to be desired, as Green Bay’s defense stifled the Commanders offense, sans for some points when the game was already out of reach.

Still, Daniels’ stat-sheet is sold. He’s passed for 433 yards and three touchdowns, throwing zero picks thus far through two weeks. He’s added 85 yards with his legs, as well.

This is all coming off a historic rookie season, where Daniels was unflappable. He started and won 14 games, including the playoffs, which tied former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (14 wins in 2004) for the most wins by a rookie quarterback, including the postseason in NFL history. 

The former LSU Tigers star became the fourth rookie quarterback all-time to start and win multiple playoff games as well, joining Joe Flacco (2008 with Baltimore), Brock Purdy (2022 with San Francisco) and Mark Sanchez (2009 with the New York Jets).

All in all, Daniels completed 69% of his passes for 3,568 yards, 25 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. He also rushed for 891 yards and six more scores. Those were in the upper echelon of passing stats in the league, while also being top-three in rushing yards and touchdowns for quarterbacks. 

In the playoffs, Daniels led the Commanders to the NFC Championship, within one game of Super Bowl LIX. In wins over Tampa Bay and Detroit and their elimination loss at Philadelphia, Daniels completed 65.8% of his throws for postseason-leading passing yards of 822 along with five touchdowns and one pick.

The Commanders are hoping it’s the start of something beautiful with Daniels, but this injury certainly throws a wrench into their plans. Hopefully he doesn’t have to miss too much time moving forward, if any at all.