Jayden Daniels ruled out for Falcons game despite feeling 'good' in practice

When Jayden Daniels stepped onto the practice field at the Washington Commanders’ Ashburn, Virginia, facility on Thursday, September 25, 2025, he moved with purpose — no limp, no hesitation. But the moment he spoke to reporters, the tone shifted. "I feel good," he said, shrugging off the lingering pain from the knee injury he suffered in Week 2. Then, with quiet finality: "It’s not my decision." And just hours later, the Washington Commanders officially ruled him out for Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons. The message was clear: this isn’t about toughness. It’s about trust — in the medical staff, in the process, and in the long-term health of a franchise quarterback who’s only just begun to show his potential.

From Lambeau to Ashburn: The Injury Timeline

Daniels’ injury began on September 15, 2025, during the second quarter of a 27-24 loss to the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. He scrambled left, planted his right knee, and collapsed under pressure from linebacker De’Vondre Campbell. He stayed down for nearly three minutes before walking off under his own power — a sign, many assumed, that it was just a tweak. But the swelling didn’t subside. He missed Week 3 entirely against the New York Giants. Then came the surprise: he returned to practice on September 25 in a limited capacity. Fans hoped. Coaches hesitated.

According to the Commanders’ injury report, Daniels was listed as "Did Not Participate" on Wednesday, September 24, then "Limited Participation" on Thursday and Friday. That’s not a progression — it’s a plateau. And that’s what scared the medical team. Dr. Wiemi Douoguih, the team’s Chief Medical Officer, and head athletic trainer Dana LeVangie reviewed daily MRIs and biomechanical data from his movement patterns. They saw micro-swelling in the medial collateral ligament — no tear, no rupture — but enough instability to risk further damage if he cut or planted under pressure.

"It’s Not My Decision" — The Weight of a Young QB’s Words

Daniels, 24, was drafted second overall in 2024 out of Arizona State. He started every game he played in 2025 — all three — completing 68.4% of his passes for 842 yards, six touchdowns, and just two interceptions. He’s the face of the franchise’s reboot. But on Friday, he didn’t beg to play. He didn’t plead. He simply said he felt good — and then deferred. That’s not resignation. It’s maturity.

"He’s not trying to be a hero," said one assistant coach who spoke on condition of anonymity. "He knows what’s at stake. He’s not just playing for this week. He’s playing for next year. For his contract. For his legacy." That’s the unspoken truth: Daniels is entering his first contract year. One bad play now could cost him tens of millions down the line. And he knows it.

Who Steps In? Marcus Mariota’s Second Straight Start

Enter Marcus Mariota, 31, the veteran who’s seen it all — Heisman Trophy, playoff runs, benchings, comebacks. He started in Daniels’ place last week against the Giants, throwing for 217 yards and one touchdown in a 20-17 overtime loss. He’s not flashy. He’s not young. But he’s steady. And for a team that’s now lost its starting QB for two straight weeks — the first time since 2018 — steadiness is the only currency left.

The Commanders have until 4:00 PM ET on Saturday to activate a backup from the practice squad. As of Friday, they hadn’t announced whether they’d elevate rookie Brock Purdy — yes, that Brock Purdy — who was signed to the practice squad in August after being released by the San Francisco 49ers. The irony isn’t lost on anyone: the man once called "Mr. Irrelevant" is now being considered as a potential emergency backup for the No. 2 overall pick.

What This Means for the Commanders’ Season

If Daniels misses Week 5 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on October 6, the Commanders will become only the third NFL team since 2000 to start three different quarterbacks in their first five games — joining the 2018 New York Giants and 2020 Miami Dolphins. That’s not a fluke. That’s a crisis.

Their offense, once among the league’s most dynamic, now ranks 28th in yards per game. The offensive line, already battered, has lost its rhythm. And the defense, which held its own last week, can’t be expected to carry this team indefinitely. Coach Dan Quinn admitted after Friday’s practice: "We’re not where we want to be. But we’re not out of it. We’ve got guys who’ve been here before. We’ll adapt."

What’s Next? The Road to Week 5

The medical timeline suggests Daniels could return as early as October 6 — a seven-day minimum under NFL protocols for what’s believed to be a Grade 1 MCL sprain. But that’s assuming perfect healing. The Commanders are being cautious. He’s doing non-weight-bearing rehab at Inova Sports Medicine in Fairfax, Virginia, with daily imaging. No running. No cutting. Just cycling and pool work.

"We’re not rushing him," said Dr. Douoguih in a team statement. "His return isn’t about a calendar date. It’s about functional readiness. If he can’t plant and explode without discomfort, he doesn’t play. Period."

For now, the Falcons game looms. Atlanta, with their own injury woes — including missing WR Calvin Ridley — will be without their top pass-catcher. But they’ll have a rested, confident defense. And they’ll be playing at home, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where the Commanders haven’t won since 2015.

This isn’t just about one game. It’s about momentum. It’s about identity. And for Jayden Daniels, it’s about proving he’s more than a flash in the pan — even if he has to sit out to do it.