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Jayden Daniels Ranks as Low-End QB1 in Week 9 Against Rams
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels has gotten off to a strong start this season, totaling 976 passing yards and six touchdowns through the air while adding 236 rushing yards and two scores on the ground in four and a half games played. Daniels ranks as the QB5 in fantasy with 20.1 points per game and is second among quarterbacks in rushing yards on the 10th most attempts (27). The third-year quarterback heads into a Week 9 home matchup against the Rams, fresh off his first win of the season last week over the Eagles. The Rams' defense has found its form in the three games after allowing 37 points to the Bills in Week 5, allowing only 16 points per game and ranking only behind the Buccaneers in EPA/Play. Though Myles Garrett (knee) is expected to return for this game, a big boost for the Rams, they are also dealing with a few injuries in the secondary. Daniels should be able to take advantage and put up points to match Matthew Stafford on the other side and end with a productive fantasy day. Daniels ranks as RotoBaller's QB11 for Week 9.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jayden Daniels Regaining Fantasy Value Following Injury Return
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels has bounced back since returning from a left elbow injury that sidelined him for two games. Daniels has thrown for 716 yards and three touchdowns without an interception over his last three appearances, adding 136 rushing yards and two scores. He rushed for 103 yards and two touchdowns against the Giants in Week 5 before throwing for 300 yards and two scores against San Francisco in Week 6. His production dipped against Philadelphia in Week 8, when he threw for 217 yards and one touchdown while rushing twice for 23 yards. Daniels has seen his rushing attempts decline in each of his three games since returning, but he remains a dangerous dual-threat quarterback. RotoBaller ranks him QB11 for Week 9 against the Rams, keeping him firmly in the fantasy QB1 conversation.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jayden Daniels A Strong QB1 Sunday Night Against Eagles
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels is fresh off the team's Week 7 bye and faces an enticing Week 8 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday Night Football. Since returning from his elbow injury in Week 5, Daniels has been electric for fantasy purposes, averaging 26.6 fantasy points across two games and ranking as the QB3 since coming back. The third-year quarterback displayed the dual-threat dynamism in each game that makes him a weekly fantasy difference maker, first rushing for 103 yards and two touchdowns against the Giants in Week 5 before throwing for 300 yards and two scores through the air against the 49ers in Week 6. Daniels will now be without his No. 1 wide receiver, Terry McLaurin (knee), for the rest of the season, but he is still primed for another strong fantasy day against the Eagles in Week 8. Philadelphia has allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season and owns the league's lowest sack rate. The Eagles held Daniels in check for much of the game back in Week 1, but he still managed a decent fantasy day with 17.7 points, and this Eagles' defense has been trending in the wrong direction since then. Daniels ranks as RotoBaller's QB6 for Week 8.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Dan Quinn on the Hot Seat in Washington
The NFL Network's Ian Rapoport says that Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn has an uncertain future with the organization as the team comes out of their Week 7 bye. Quinn went into the team's Week 6 loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night with some heat, but the Commanders had a strong showing and made things interesting in the loss. Rapoport says that Quinn seems to have bought himself some more time with the way the Commanders played in Week 6, but if the team's performance does not improve going forward, he could be in danger of being fired before the end of the 2026 season. It will not be easy for Quinn and the Commanders from an offensive perspective with top receiver Terry McLaurin (knee) out for the rest of the season, and second-year running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (groin) remains on Injured Reserve. It all came to a head for Quinn in the Week 5 tie against the division-rival New York Giants, when the offense botched the end of the game and failed to attempt a potential game-winning field goal in overtime.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Marcus Mariota to Return to Practice This Week
Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said on Monday that veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota (knee) will return to practice as the team comes out of their Week 7 bye, according to Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic. Mariota is recovering from a sprained right MCL in his knee and missed the two games before the Week 7 bye. The 32-year-old veteran could be back on the practice field this week, but it does not guarantee that he will be active for the Sunday night game in Week 8 against the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles. Before his knee injury, Mariota was forced into action early on in 2026 after Jayden Daniels suffered a dislocated left elbow in the Week 2 loss to the division-rival Dallas Cowboys. In three games played (two starts), Mariota threw for 340 yards, four touchdowns, and no interceptions. If he does not do enough in practice this week to return for Sunday night's game against the Eagles, rookie signal-caller Athan Kaliakmanis will work as the backup to Daniels for a third straight game.
Source: The Athletic - Nicki Jhabvala
Source: The Athletic - Nicki Jhabvala
Dan Quinn Planning Changes During Commanders' Bye Week
Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn expects to make adjustments on both sides of the ball during the team's Week 7 bye, according to Nicki Jhabvala. Quinn stressed that the changes won't mean overhauling either system, but said the Commanders should look "more precise" when they return. Washington heads into the break at 1-4-1 following Monday's 23-17 loss to San Francisco, a game in which the 49ers built a 20-3 halftime lead and outgained the Commanders 303-90 over the first two quarters. Washington rallied in the second half but couldn't complete the comeback, which underlines the inconsistency Quinn hopes to fix. He hasn't specified any personnel or play-calling changes ahead of the team's November 1 matchup against Philadelphia.
Source: Nicki Jhabvala
Source: Nicki Jhabvala
Jayden Daniels A Strong Start on Monday Night vs. 49ers
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels was largely excellent in his return to the field in Week 5 against the Giants after missing two weeks with a dislocated left (non-throwing) elbow. Daniels completed 17 of 25 passes for 199 yards and added nine carries for 103 yards and two touchdowns as a runner. It marked Daniels' second career game with 100 or more rushing yards as well as his second career game with two rushing scores. The third-year quarterback showed no effects from his injury, scoring 32.3 fantasy points, his most in a game since Week 17 of his rookie season. Daniels is trending up heading into a potential shootout with the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night, though the 49ers have been a stingy fantasy opponent for opposing quarterbacks through five weeks, allowing the fifth-fewest points per game (13.6). Daniels ranks as RotoBaller's QB7 for Week 6 and should be trusted in all lineups.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jayden Daniels Proves he's Back With Strong Week 5 Performance
Fantasy managers were a bit unsure what to expect from Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels in his return from a dislocated left (non-throwing) elbow in the team's Week 5 tie to the division-rival New York Giants on Sunday, especially with one of his top receivers, Stefon Diggs, sidelined with a hamstring injury. Daniels returned to form, going 17-for-25 passing for 199 yards, no touchdowns, and no interceptions, but he made plenty of noise with his legs, carrying the football nine times for 103 yards and two touchdowns. The 25-year-old former second overall pick from LSU also threw a successful two-point conversion. In three games so far in 2026, in his third year in the NFL, Daniels has thrown for 459 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions, adding 21 rushing attempts for 203 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. Daniels has averaged 20.9 fantasy points in his three games, which puts him as the QB8 overall. His risk of reinjuring his left elbow is real, but Daniels sets fantasy managers apart given his rushing abilities. Daniels will be on the QB1/2 borderline for the team's Week 6 tilt on the road against the 5-0 San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Jayden Daniels Facing Elevated Elbow Reinjury Risk
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (left elbow) will return Sunday against the New York Giants, but there remains concern about the possibility of another dislocation. According to ESPN, some doctors around the NFL believe Daniels is at higher risk after dislocating the same elbow twice in roughly 11 months. Some of those doctors have not examined him. Daniels did visit specialists in New York and Los Angeles, however, with the overwhelming opinion being that playing with a brace was a viable option. He practiced fully all week and has been cleared to start after missing two games. Daniels will wear the brace for the remainder of the season, and offensive coordinator David Blough said there will be no limitations in the game plan. Rookie Athan Kaliakmanis will serve as the backup with Marcus Mariota (knee) ruled out.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Jayden Daniels Set for Return Against Giants in Week 5
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) will make his return to the field in Week 5 against the New York Giants after missing the previous two games with an elbow injury. Daniels was looking great before getting injured in Week 2 at Dallas, completing 11 of 17 passes for 96 yards and a touchdown while adding seven carries for 69 yards on the ground. While he remains at risk of re-injury, the third-year quarterback shouldn't be hindered by the bulky brace he plans to wear and will be full go. The Giants rank middle of the pack in fantasy points allowed to quarterbacks so far this season, though weather reports indicate wet, rainy conditions. In addition, Daniels will miss one of his best weapons, Stefon Diggs (hamstring), though he gets Terry McLaurin (hamstring) back this week. In three career games against the Giants, Daniels has averaged 19.1 fantasy points per game, totaling 668 passing yards, three touchdowns, zero interceptions, and 147 rushing yards. Daniels projects as a solid QB1 on his return in Week 5, ranking QB10 on RotoBaller.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jayden Daniels is Not at 100 Percent
The NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that while Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) has been cleared to return in Week 5 against the division-rival New York Giants, he is not at 100 percent after dislocating his left (non-throwing) elbow in the Week 2 loss to the division-rival Dallas Cowboys. The Commanders might be rushing the former first-round signal-caller back a bit early after veteran backup Marcus Mariota (knee) suffered an MCL sprain in the Week 4 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in London. On top of Daniels not being 100% health-wise, he could be without his top two receivers in Terry McLaurin (hamstring) and Stefon Diggs (hamstring). Diggs has already been ruled out, and McLaurin is trending toward being a game-time decision. There are a lot of questions as to whether Daniels will be able to take a hit, and without all of his weapons, he becomes a dicey fantasy starter this weekend in his return. At best, Daniels should be looked at as a low-end QB1 as the Commanders take on the Giants.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Jayden Daniels Officially Cleared to Play in Week 5
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) has officially been cleared to play in Week 5 against the division-rival New York Giants on Sunday, according to Zach Selby of the team's official website. Daniels is making his return to the Commanders' offense after missing the last two games due to a dislocated left (non-throwing) elbow that he suffered in the Week 2 loss to the division-rival Dallas Cowboys. Unfortunately, the 25-year-old will not have one of his top receivers, Stefon Diggs (hamstring), available this weekend, and he could also be missing Terry McLaurin (hamstring), who also did not play last weekend. The signal-caller's return is coming at a good time for Washington, though, after veteran backup Marcus Mariota (knee) suffered a sprained MCL in the Week 4 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in London. If McLaurin is ruled out for a second straight week, fantasy managers may want to consider fading Daniels and leaving him on the bench for another week as his receiving weapons get healthier.
Source: Commanders.com - Zach Selby
Source: Commanders.com - Zach Selby
Jayden Daniels a Full-Go for Week 5 Against Giants
Washington Commanders offensive coordinator David Blough doesn't anticipate any game-plan restrictions for quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) in Week 5. Asked by ESPN's John Keim whether Daniels' return posed any challenges for the offense, Blough's answer was brief: "He's full go." Daniels has missed the past two games with a dislocated left elbow, but was a full participant in Wednesday's practice and is expected back Sunday against the Giants. He'll wear a brace on his non-throwing arm, which the team says won't interfere with his throwing motion. Daniels rushed 12 times for 100 yards across his first two games, and how much Washington asks him to use his legs will be of particular interest for fantasy managers. The Commanders have also been working on ways for him to protect his elbow when going to the ground.
Source: John Keim
Source: John Keim
Jayden Daniels Expected to Practice in Full on Wednesday
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) is throwing again on Wednesday and is expected to be a full participant in practice, according to John Keim of ESPN. It is great timing for the Commanders, as veteran Marcus Mariota (knee) is expected to miss two to three weeks after spraining his MCL in Sunday's loss to the Indianapolis Colts in London. Daniels has been out the last two weeks after dislocating his left (non-throwing) elbow in the Week 2 loss to the division-rival Dallas Cowboys, but he was limited all of last week in practice and now appears to be a full-go. Unless the former first-rounder suffers a setback with his left elbow in practice this week, he should be expected to make his return and start this Sunday against the division-rival New York Giants. Despite developing an injury-prone label early in his career, the 25-year-old Daniels still has QB1 upside for his ability to rack up points with his arm and legs. He should at least be considered a low-end QB1 option again this weekend if he is cleared to face the Giants.
Source: ESPN.com - John Keim
Source: ESPN.com - John Keim
Marcus Mariota to Avoid Injured Reserve
Washington Commanders veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota (knee) will not go on Injured Reserve after spraining his MCL in the Week 4 blowout loss to the Indianapolis Colts in London on Sunday, according to Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic. It means that the Commanders think Mariota could be back within two to three weeks after he missed two and a half weeks after his first MCL sprain during the preseason in August. It also means that Washington may not need to sign an outside veteran QB to time them over. That will especially be the case if starter Jayden Daniels is able to return this weekend against the division-rival New York Giants after dislocating his left elbow in the Week 2 loss to the division-rival Dallas Cowboys. If Daniels is not cleared to play this weekend, Athan Kaliakmanis would be forced into making his first NFL start under center. The 32-year-old Mariota has already appeared in three games (two starts) for Washington this year after playing in 11 games (eight starts) in 2025 due to injuries to Daniels. He has gone 33-for-51 passing for 340 yards, four touchdowns, and zero interceptions in limited action in 2026, but he will return to his usual backup role when he heals from his MCL sprain.
Source: The Athletic - Nicki Jhabvala
Source: The Athletic - Nicki Jhabvala
