The 2025 NFL season has exacted a high toll in injuries already, from horrific ones like the ones suffered by Malik Nabers and Tyreek Hill, to milder ones like Joe Alt’s or Joe Burrow’s. Jayden Daniels falls into the latter category, so Washington Commanders fans were able to breathe a sigh of relief a couple of weeks ago when he went down.
The prognosis is good for the quarterback, who’s expected to be back for this week’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers. A report from this weekend by Ian Rapoport confirmed as much on the NFL Network:
” My understanding is that Jayden Daniels is expected to be back next week in what looms as a huge game against the Chargers. Jayden Daniels is still dealing with that knee sprain. … He did work out yesterday on Saturday,” Rapoport said on Sunday.
The Insiders on @NFLGameDay Kickoff with @JudyBattista, @TomPelissero, and @MikeGarafolo: On #Steelers WR DK Metcalf’s YAC; #Commanders QB Jayden Daniels expected back next week; #Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr takes ownership; #Eagles offense finding the right formula. pic.twitter.com/aN22MEzLaC
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 28, 2025
What happened to Jayden Daniels?
The 2023 Heisman Trophy winner suffered a knee sprain in Week 2’s 27-18 defeat to the Green Bay Packers. He was sacked four times and hit several more during the game, and although he was able to play through the entire encounter he hasn’t played since then.
According to some comments by Commanders coach Dan Quinn, they’re acting out of an abundance of caution:
“He’s working incredibly hard, around the clock, to get back,” Commanders coach Dan Quinn said. “Ultimately, doctors haven’t cleared him just yet. He’s absolutely doing everything he can.”
Another former Heisman Trophy winner, backup Marcus Mariota, has stepped on his place for the time being. He led the Commanders to a 41-24 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 3 and to a 34-27 defeat to the Atlanta Falcons last weekend.
Is Jayden Daniels playing in Week 5?
The reports point out Daniels being available for Week 5’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers. The signal-caller was active on Saturday following a rest day on Friday, and the evaluations were all positive during the weekend. However, out of an abundance of caution, he was given another week to recover ahead of an important game against the Chargers.
Jayden Daniels’ fantasy outlook
It’s more likely than not that Jayden Daniels will be back in action in Week 5 of the NFL, and it seems he will be back to peak strength. His knee injury wasn’t as serious and he was given more than enough time to recover. Fantasy players can use him with confidence. The one downside, is that wide receiver Terry McLaurin will potentially be out this weekend as he recovers from a quad injury. However, Daniels can make up for lost passing performance with rushing yards.
Read more:
NFL Fantasy Football Injury Tracker Week 5: All We Know About Key Stars’ Status Ft. Tyreek Hill
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