The Washington Commanders are up against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. According to ESPN, “It’s up to the doctors, not my decision,” quarterback Jayden Daniels said about his injury. Daniels was not seen on the field against the Las Vegas Raiders during a dominating 41-24 victory. 

Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network reported, “Commanders QB Jayden Daniels (knee) and WR Terry McLaurin (quad) are not on the field for the start of practice. McLaurin hasn’t practiced all week and likely will miss Sunday’s game vs. Atlanta, while Daniels was limited the past two days with his status up to the doctors.”

Questions were already raised about wide receiver Terry McLaurin when he was not seen at practice. Although Jayden Daniels was geared up with a brace on his knee, which, according to him, he has never worn in a game. Daniels was seen at practice performing individual throwing practice drills, which mimicked sliding in the pocket and planting a throw.  

As per ESPN, Washington coach Dan Quinn said, “He’s doing everything you possibly can to get there. The guy’s the ultimate competitor for us.”

However, the injury for Daniels  first occurred in the fourth quarter during the Green Bay Packers match in week 2. It was caused when he scrambled upfield and took a helmet to his knee. The 2024 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year has not missed a single game up until now.

Marcus Mariota will be replacing Daniels this week. He started last for the Atlanta Falcons in 13 games during the 2022 season. He was last seen on the field during week 13 in 2022. Mariota has completed 15 of 21 passes for 207 yards and a touchdown. He also ran six times for 40 yards. 

“Super happy for him. He deserves everything. He’s my biggest supporter, so it was my turn last week to be his,” Daniels said. 

Previously, in the last two seasons, when Mariota had to replace an injured Daniels, he completed 48 of 62 passes for 573 yards and five touchdowns, with no interceptions.

Commanders face Falcons without star WR

McLaurin injured his quad during the match against the Raiders in the third quarter with 4 minutes, 47 seconds left. He was tackled when he went in for a 56-yard catch in the end zone. After which, McLaurin did not return to the game.

NFL insider Mike Garafolo stated, “My understanding is there will be no surgery, at least not as of right now. That is a little bit of good news on Terry McLaurin. Any kind of core muscle surgery, you’re talking anywhere from six to eight weeks. So, that’s not in the cards as of right now.”

Despite talks about a surgery needed initially for the injury, a second opinion from Dr. William Meyers has confirmed that it is a normal injury and does not require surgery. McLaurin just signed a three-year contract extension worth $96 million with the Commanders in August. So far through three weeks, he has picked up 149 yards, and any opportunity missed would be costly.

“Yeah, it’s pretty normal that when you have something, a second opinion takes place,” Quinn said.

With McLaurin and Daniels out, the Washington Commanders add 2 more players to the reserves. After losing 30-0, the Atlanta Falcons, on the other hand, have made coaching changes. Firing receivers coach Ike Hilliard and moving offensive coordinator Zac Robinson closer to the sidelines to provide more support for Michael Penix Jr.

The Mercedes-Benz Stadium will host the match between the two clubs. While the commanders deal with the difficulties of losing key personnel. Atlanta will rely on RB Bijan Robinson and attempt to provide pressure in the passing game.