Commanders star QB Jayden Daniels (knee) to start vs. Chargers

Field Level Media|published: Fri 3rd October, 19:37 2025

Sep 21, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; Injured Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels walks off the field after the Commanders' game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images

Commanders star quarterback Jayden Daniels will be back in the starting role after a two-game injury absence when Washington visits the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.

Daniels has been sidelined since sustaining a sprained left knee in Week 2 against the Green Bay Packers.

Washington coach Dan Quinn told reporters on Friday that Daniels would be the starter. The team also released the news later on social media.

Daniels was a full practice participant all week and will wear a brace on the knee on Sunday. He had badly wanted to return this week as he is from San Bernardino, located about 75 miles away from where the Chargers play in Inglewood.

Daniels has passed for 433 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for 85 yards this season.

Last season, Daniels was a force by completing 69 percent of his passes for 3,568 yards, 25 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He also rushed for 891 yards and six touchdowns, securing 55 first downs on 148 attempts while winning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.

Marcus Mariota started the past two games for the Commanders (2-2). He passed for 363 yards, three touchdowns and one interception and added 60 rushing yards and one score.

Washington will be without receivers Terry McLaurin (quadriceps) and Noah Brown (groin/knee). McLaurin is missing his second straight game and Brown will be sidelined for the third consecutive contest.

Commanders guard Sam Cosmi (knee) also was ruled out.

The Chargers will be without rookie tackle Joe Alt (ankle) and receiver Derius Davis (knee). Guard Mekhi Becton (concussion), and tight ends Will Dissly (knee) and Tucker Fisk (toe) are questionable.

--Field Level Media

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