It feels like the season is on the line for the Washington Commanders on Sunday when they host the 3-1 New York Giants in Week 5. The Commanders are coming off a 30-13 blowout loss to the Indianapolis Colts in London for Week 4. Washington was down to third-string quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis after Marcus Mariota suffered a right knee MCL sprain against the Colts that had him as a non-participant at Wednesday's practice.
Jayden Daniels has been out since he dislocated his left elbow before halftime in Washington's 37-20 loss to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 3. Daniels opted to have a brace placed over his elbow, which will allow him to play this season before he decides on surgery for the offseason. More news: Exclusive: Breakout NFL Executives Who Could Become Future General Managers More news: 4 QBs Generating Serious Trade Buzz Weeks Before NFL Regular Season Starts The Commanders wanted to wait to play Daniels until he became comfortable operating the offense with the brace.
Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, Washington will start Daniels against the Giants on Sunday. The decision for the Commanders and Daniels comes with the risk that he could further aggravate the elbow, even with the brace. It remains to be seen how efficiently he can play with the medical device.
Still, the Commanders are giving Daniels a shot to stay in the NFC East picture. Following Sunday's contest, Washington will play on the road against the San Francisco 49ers, at home against the Philadelphia Eagles and at home against the Los Angeles Rams. The Commanders must find a way to win a few of those games to stay in the playoff hunt.
Washington will have a better chance to do so with Daniels. Daniels has completed 56.9% of his passes for 260 yards and three touchdowns this season. He's added 100 yards on 12 carries.
The No. 2 pick in the 2024 draft is known for using his legs to make plays. Given Daniels' need to keep the elbow healthy, his options to be mobile might be limited so he avoids taking unnecessary hits. For more on the Commanders and the NFL, head to Newsweek Sports.
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