NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on Monday that Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels has been diagnosed with a knee sprain and is doubtful for the team’s Week 3 home matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders this Sunday.
Daniels sustained the injury in the fourth quarter of the team’s 27-18 loss to the Green Bay Packers last Thursday, coming up limping after being tackled on a one-yard scramble. He stayed in for the rest of the contest, but was evaluated by the team afterwards and received an MRI on Friday according to Grant Paulsen of 106.7 The Fan in Washington D.C.
This is another blow to the Commanders as the Week 2 loss at Lambeau Field has already inflicted pain on the offense. Veteran running back Austin Ekeler also suffered a season-ending torn Achilles injury last Thursday and now they will be without their starting QB against the Raiders this Sunday.
Daniels was the No. 3 quarterback in average draft position heading into the season, so his absence will affect numerous fantasy managers across multiple formats. He has compiled 39.8 fantasy points through the first two weeks of the 2025 campaign, going 43-72 for 433 yards and three touchdowns through the air while adding an additional 85 yards on the ground. The second-year star was notably held to just 17 yards on the ground against the Packers last Thursday and the knee injury may depress some of his rushing numbers upon his return, so keep that in mind.
In his absence, backup Marcus Mariota will step in and get his first taste of action this season. The veteran is readily available on waiver wires as he’s rostered in less than 1% of fantasy leagues, but I imagine Daniels managers already have other viable backup options in place. They can always turn to other QB waiver wire options like Daniel Jones or Aaron Rodgers if they find themselves in a jam for the week.
With both Daniels and Ekeler down for the week, I expect rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt to get plenty of work out of the backfield against the Raiders. He registered just four carries in last Thursday’s loss, but should see those numbers tick back up. Veteran tight end Zach Ertz should also remain a go-to option in the offense after scoring a touchdown in both games for Washington.
