Jayden Daniels has continued to make progress in his recovery from a dislocated left elbow. Despite the Commanders finding themselves out of playoff contention, their starting quarterback will return to action this week. 
Daniels has been able to practice this week, logging a limited session on Wednesday and a full one yesterday. The reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year was recently cleared for full contact, so it comes as no surprise he will be in place against the Vikings on Sunday. This will mark Daniels’ first game action since Week 9.
Questions were raised in the wake of that blowout loss about why head coach Dan Quinn kept Daniels and other starters on the field as long as he did. Since then, the Commanders have continued what is now a seven-game losing streak. Marcus Mariota has generally played well as a fill-in QB starter, but Daniels’ return will certainly be welcomed by all involved.
Washington’s offense has been beset by injuries through much of the 2025 campaign. Ending things on a high note would mark a positive for a team which has fallen well short of its performance from last year. Daniels will look to remain on the field for the closing weeks of the campaign and in doing so resume his strong connection with wideout Terry McLaurin. The latter returned to action during Monday night’s overtime loss to the Broncos, posting 96 yards and one touchdown along the way. Finishing the year with Daniels under center will help McLaurin’s chances of maintaining that production.
Daniels was never placed on injured reserve, but discussions did take place between team and player about shutting him down for the remainder of the campaign. Nevertheless, the 24-year-old is set to return to action for a Washington team which currently sits at 3-9 on the year.
In other injury news, Quinn said (via Tashan Reed of the Washington Post) that receiver Noah Brown and linebacker Bobby Wagner are trending toward playing this week as well. Both players have missed practice time in recent days, but their availability will be key. Brown remains on IR at this point, so having him in the lineup for Sunday will require an activation in his case either today or tomorrow.
For what ? To possibly ruin better draft choices?
Exactly! This is not a good idea. Sit him out the rest of the season and let him heal.