Commanders running backs have gained positive EPA on 46.2% of their designed rushes this season, the 4th-highest rate in the league.

Jayden Daniels completed only 1 of 9 passes under pressure for 4 yards, a touchdown and 2 interceptions in Week 12 against the Cowboys, his lowest completion percentage (11.1%) and fewest passing yards under pressure in a game during his rookie season.

Jayden Daniels completed 6 of his 12 passes for 38 yards in the first half of Week 18 against the Cowboys before coming out of the game at halftime.

Soreness severity downplayed

Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said Monday that he's "not concerned" about the leg soreness that forced Daniels out of Sunday's 23-19 win over the Cowboys, Zach Selby of the Commanders' official site reports.

Analysis: Daniels logged a precautionary exit at halftime during the Week 18 game against Dallas, but it doesn't sound like his status will be impacted at all heading into Sunday's wild-card matchup on the road at Tampa Bay. Washington's first official practice report of the week will be released Wednesday, at which point it will be revealed whether Daniels' leg soreness is still limiting him in any capacity, or whether he's already been cleared to take full reps.

Left game with leg soreness

Daniels was feeling soreness in his leg before leaving Sunday's 23-19 win over the Cowboys at halftime, coach Dan Quinn revealed after the game, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.

Analysis: Daniels' exit was precautionary, and there has been no indication that his availability for the wild-card round against the Buccaneers is in question. Backup Marcus Mariota led the Commanders to their 12th win of the season to secure the No. 6 seed in the NFC.

Poor finish to great regular season

Daniels completed six of 12 passes for 38 yards and rushed four times for 27 yards before being lifted at halftime of Sunday's 23-19 win over the Cowboys.

Analysis: Daniels struggled in the final appearance of an otherwise excellent regular season. Despite this weak final outing, Daniels is still the favorite to win Offensive Rookie of the Year after throwing for 3,568 yards with a 25:9 TD:INT and tacking on a rookie quarterback record 891 rushing yards, as well as six rushing touchdowns. The Commanders trailed 9-3 when Mariota took over, but the veteran backup immediately led a touchdown drive and helped Washington come back to secure the No. 6 seed in…read more

Throws for three TDs on Sunday

Daniels completed 24 of 36 pass attempts for 227 passing yards, three touchdowns and one interception while adding 127 rushing yards on 16 attempts in Sunday's 30-24 overtime win over Atlanta.

Analysis: Daniels turned in a sterling second-half performance en route to a net yardage of 354 with a trio of passing touchdowns in Sunday's exciting victory over Atlanta. The rookie standout threw for at least three touchdowns for the third time over his last four appearances. Daniels will look to make another statement in his Rookie of the Year bid in next Sunday's season finale against the Cowboys, though it's not certain he'll play the entire game (or at all) with Washington locked into the No. 6 or…read more

Tosses five TDs in comeback win

Daniels completed 24 of 39 passes for 258 yards and five touchdowns with two interceptions in Sunday's 36-33 win over the Eagles. He added a team-high 81 rushing yards on nine carries.

Analysis: The rookie quarterback added another epic comeback to his brief resume. With Washington down 27-14 headed into the fourth quarter, Daniels took over the game, tossing four-yard and 49-yard TDs to Olamide Zaccheaus on his first two drives in the final frame before hitting Jamison Crowder for a game-winning, nine-yard strike with just six seconds left on the clock. The five touchdowns were a career high for Daniels, who has thrown multiple TDs in four straight games to keep alive the possibility…read more

Carries offense in tight victory

Daniels completed 25 of 31 pass attempts for 226 yards and a pair of touchdowns while taking 11 carries for 66 yards in Sunday's 20-19 win over New Orleans.

Analysis: Daniels picked apart the opposition by completing 81 percent of his passes while using his legs to extend multiple drives in Sunday's one-point victory. The promising rookie recorded his fourth game with multiple touchdowns and no turnovers through 14 starts as a pro. As of the conclusion of this game, the 9-5 Commanders still have an outside shot at the NFC East title, so expect inspired play from Daniels against the first-place Eagles next Sunday.

Four total TDs in easy win

Daniels completed 25 of 30 passes for 206 yards, three touchdowns and one interception in Sunday's 42-19 win over the Titans. He added nine rushing attempts for 34 yards and a touchdown.

Analysis: Daniels gave the Commanders a 14-0 lead with a three-yard rushing touchdown, then doubled that first-half advantage with touchdown passes of 16 and three yards to Terry McLaurin. The rookie second overall pick missed only one of his 15 first-half pass attempts but was picked off in the third quarter as the Titans cut what was once a 28-point Washington lead to 28-13 heading into the fourth quarter. He bounced back with a four-yard touchdown pass to Zach Ertz early in the fourth to snuff out any…read more

Nearly 350 total yards in loss

Daniels completed 25 of 38 passes for 275 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions while adding seven rushes for 74 yards and another score in the Commanders' 34-26 loss to the Cowboys on Sunday.

Analysis: For the second time this season, Daniels' passing yardage total received a serious boost from a chunk play in a game's final seconds, as the rookie connected with Terry McLaurin for an 86-yard touchdown pass with 21 seconds remaining that closed Washington's deficit to one point at the time. Prior to that throw, Daniels had struggled against an aggressive Cowboys defense that was able to sack him on four occasions and pick him off in Dallas territory in the first half. Daniels' rushing yardage…read more

Held in check in loss

Daniels completed 22 of 32 passes for 191 yards with one touchdown and one interception while adding seven rushes for 18 yards in the Commanders' 26-18 loss to the Eagles on Thursday night. He also threw a two-point conversion pass.

Analysis: Daniels salvaged his fantasy night to an extent with a five-yard touchdown pass to Zach Ertz with 28 seconds remaining and a subsequent two-point conversion pass to the veteran tight end in the back of the end zone that was originally ruled out of bounds. Prior to that, the talented rookie had scuffled through a fairly unremarkable game that also saw him evaluated for a concussion shortly before halftime and the Eagles do an effective job of limiting his rushing yards and keeping passes in…read more

Slowed by Steelers

Daniels completed 17 of 34 passes for 202 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions in Sunday's 28-27 loss to the Steelers. He added three rushes for five yards.

Analysis: Daniels struggled significantly for much of the game by averaging a season-low 5.9 yards per attempt. In addition to not finding the end zone, Daniels' fantasy performance was limited by his lack of rushing production as he was held below 20 rushing yards on the ground for the first time this season. Nevertheless, there were a few positives to take away from the performance, as Daniels had a few explosive moments, highlighted by long completions of 54, 28 and 23 yards -- two of which went to…read more

Pair of passing scores

Daniels completed 15 of 22 passes for 209 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions in Sunday's 27-22 win over the Giants. He added eight rushes for 35 yards.

Analysis: Daniels led the Commanders on three scoring drives in the first half, two of which he capped with passing touchdowns. He delivered a one-yard score on a short field after a Giants turnover and then ended the second quarter with an 18-yard strike -- both of which went to Terry McLaurin. The ground attack was the focus of Washington's offense throughout the game, which led to relatively modest numbers from Daniels, though he continued to produce very well on a per-attempt basis with five…read more

Good to go

Daniels (ribs) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game at the Giants, Ralph Vacchiano of Fox Sports reports.

Analysis: Daniels played through the same injury last week without any reported complications, and he's now closed out Week 9 prep with his first full practice since hurting his ribs Week 7. He shouldn't have any limitations this Sunday and remains one of the top fantasy options at his position, combining efficient passing with frequent, effective running.

Stays limited in practice

Daniels (ribs) practiced in a limited capacity Thursday.

Analysis: After getting knocked out of Week 7 action against the Panthers early due to a rib injury, Daniels was able to suit up this past Sunday against the Bears and log 100 percent of the offensive snaps en route to 326 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions on 21-for-38 passing while rushing eight times for 52 yards. The performance, including a game-winning Hail Mary to WR Noah Brown, all but cleared up that he'll be OK on game days, but he'll continue to operate with a cap on his practice reps…read more

Limited in practice

Daniels (ribs) was a limited practice participant Wednesday.

Analysis: Daniels played through the same injury in Sunday's 18-15 win over the Bears, with no report of a setback during the game or after. His statistics didn't look especially good prior to throwing a game-winning Hail Mary, but that could have more to do with Chicago's stellar defense than Daniels' rib injury. Either way, the rookie is expected to play through the injury once again Sunday at the Giants.

Walk-off win against Bears

Daniels completed 21 of 38 passes for 326 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions in Sunday's 18-15 win over the Bears. He added eight rushes for 52 yards.

Analysis: It was a mild surprise that Daniels was active after he sustained a rib injury in Week 7 and went on to practice just once in a limited capacity during the week. He still managed to be active on the ground, highlighted by a long gain of 13 yards, and he was also effective on passing attempts down the field. Daniels completed five passes of at least 20 yards with a long of 61 to Terry McLaurin that set up a field goal later in the first quarter. However, the highlight of the day came on the…read more

Active in Week 8

Daniels (ribs) is listed as active Sunday versus the Bears.

Analysis: One week removed from lasting just one possession due to a rib injury, Daniels will suit up after being capped to just one limited session (Friday) during Week 8 prep. He'll thus continue to start under center as he and the Commanders take on fellow rookie quarterback Caleb Williams.

Slated to start Sunday

Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said Daniels (ribs) remains listed as questionable but is slated to start Sunday against the Bears, barring a last-minute setback, Tracy Wolfson of CBS Sports reports.

Analysis: Daniels is still planning on going through a pregame workout before the Commanders officially clear him to play when the team releases its inactive list approximately 90 minutes before the 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff. Due to the rib cartilage injury he sustained early in last week's win over the Panthers, Daniels didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday, but he returned to the field as a limited participant Friday. Quinn told Wolfson that Daniels looked good during that session, and with Ian Rapoport of…read more

Confirmation on status to arrive soon

Daniels (ribs) remains listed as questionable but will meet with team officials roughly around 12:45 p.m. ET before the Commanders confirm definitively whether or not he'll play Sunday against the Bears, Jay Glazer reported on "Fox NFL Sunday."

Analysis: All reports in the past 24 hours regarding Daniels have been positive in the run-up to the Commanders' 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff. Assuming team officials are comfortable with Daniels' health coming out of his upcoming meeting, he should get the Week 8 starting nod over Marcus Mariota.

Seemingly trending toward playing

Daniels (rib), who is listed as questionable for Sunday's contest against the Bears, looks to be tracking toward playing, but the team will need to see how he feels during pregame warmups before deciding on his status, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Analysis: Daniels took the field for just one possession in last Sunday's win over the Panthers due to a rib injury that kept him from practicing Wednesday and Thursday. He returned to the field Friday as a limited participant, and he said after the session that he felt good and wanted to play against the Bears. The decision ultimately won't be Daniels' alone, with the coaching staff as well as the Commanders' medical team likely to make a call on whether he'll play based on how he looks while warming up…read more

Status in question for Sunday

Daniels (rib) is listed as questionable for Sunday's contest against the Bears.

Analysis: Daniels lasted just one possession this past Sunday against the Panthers due to a rib injury that left his status truly up in the air for Week 8. He opened it with back-to-back absences Wednesday and Thursday, but according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, head coach Dan Quinn relayed Friday that Daniels would be limited in practice Friday and would be listed as questionable for Sunday's game, which has come to pass. Daniels' status thus won't be confirmed until about 90 minutes before a 4:25…read more

Practices, may be game-time call

Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said that Daniels (ribs) was able to practice in a limited capacity Friday, and a decision on the quarterback's availability for Sunday's game against the Bears will be made "over the next 48 hours," Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: Quinn said Daniels was able to handle team drills Friday after taking part in core and strength work, per Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post. The rookie No. 2 overall pick missed practice Wednesday and Thursday after a rib injury forced him out of Washington's win over Carolina in Week 7, but despite not being spotted at the early portion of Friday's practice, Daniels seems to have made significant on-field progress. Mike Garafolo of NFL Network confirms that Friday's injury report will list…read more

Not spotted at Friday's practice

Daniels (ribs) is not present at the early portion of Friday's practice open to the media, John Keim of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Daniels appears to be missing a third straight practice after a rib injury forced him out of Washington's win over the Panthers in Week 7 following the team's first possession. If Friday's official injury report confirms an absence for Daniels, it will signal the rookie No. 2 overall pick likely sitting out Sunday's contest against Chicago. Marcus Mariota will be in line to start against the Bears if Daniels can't go, with Jeff Driskel and practice-squad member Sam Hartman available as depth…read more

Still not practicing

Daniels (ribs) officially didn't practice Thursday.

Analysis: Daniels didn't see any game action after the first possession of this past Sunday's win against the Panthers due to a rib issue. On Monday, coach Dan Quinn termed Daniels "week-to-week," per Ben Standig of The Athletic, but there's been hope along the way that he'd be able to suit up for a Week 8 matchup against the Bears. Adam Schefter of ESPN reported Thursday that the Commanders plan for Daniels to take the practice field Friday, so his ensuing listing on the team's injury report may give a…read more

Absent from practice Thursday

Daniels (ribs) is not present for the early portion of Thursday's practice open to the media, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.

Analysis: Daniels is missing a second consecutive due to a ribs injury sustained Week 7, with Adam Schefter of ESPN noting that the Commanders plan for the rookie No. 2 overall pick to attempt to handle some reps Friday. Washington hasn't yet officially made a decision on whether Daniels will suit up for Sunday's upcoming matchup against the Bears and rookie No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams, but if he can't gain clearance for Week 8, Marcus Mariota will be in line to draw the start.

Not practicing Wednesday

Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said Wednesday that Daniels (ribs) will not participate in practice, Josina Anderson of CBS Sports reports.

Analysis: Daniels will miss Wednesday's practice as a result of the rib injury that forced him out of Washington's blowout win over the Panthers in Week 7 during the first quarter. Quinn called the rookie No. 2 overall pick week-to-week shortly after the Week 7 win, but he also expressed some optimism that Daniels would be able to suit up for Sunday's game against the Bears. If Daniels isn't able to notably upgrade his participation level during practice Thursday and/or Friday, however, Marcus Mariota…read more

Considered week-to-week

Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said Monday that Daniels (ribs) is considered week-to-week, Ben Standig of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: The Commanders are "hopeful" Daniels will be able to play Sunday against the Bears in a matchup that would pit Nos. 1 and 2 overall picks Caleb Williams and Daniels head to head. Quinn confirmed Daniels injured his ribs in Sunday's win over the Panthers on the team's first offensive play, a 46-yard run by the rookie quarterback. Daniels ended up playing 10 offensive snaps before leaving the contest, giving way to Marcus Mariota the rest of the way in the 40-7 blowout victory. Daniels seems to…read more

Set for further testing on ribs

Daniels (ribs) will undergo further testing Monday on the injury that forced him out of Sunday's 40-7 win over the Panthers, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.

Analysis: Head coach Dan Quinn didn't have an immediate update on Daniels' status after the game, though the quarterback was in good spirits and celebrating with teammates after the game. Washington kept rolling right along with backup quarterback Marcus Mariota after Daniels' absence, but clarity on which quarterback is likely to start against the Bears in Week 8 won't be provided until the results of Daniels' tests Monday are revealed.

Ruled out Sunday

Daniels won't return to Sunday's game versus the Panthers due to a rib injury.

Analysis: After a 46-run to kick off the Commanders' first possession, Daniels was seen grabbing at his midsection until the team was set up for a successful Austin Seibert field-goal attempt. Daniels then got examined on the bench and in sideline tent before going to the locker room, where the CBS broadcast reported that he was undergoing X-rays. After halftime, he rejoined his teammates on the sideline in street clothes, ending Week 7 with six yards on 2-for-2 passing and three carries for 50 yards.…read more

Has rib injury

Daniels suffered a rib injury during Sunday's game versus the Panthers, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.

Analysis: Daniels was clutching at his midsection for most of the Commanders' first possession following a 46-yard run. He then visited the sideline tent and threw some passes once he emerged from the evaluation, but he wasn't able to reenter the contest, instead going to the locker room for X-rays, per the CBS broadcast. Marcus Mariota took over Washington's offense upon Daniels' departure.

Tosses two TDs in loss

Daniels completed 24 of 35 passes for 269 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday's 30-23 loss to the Ravens. He added 22 rushing yards on six carries.

Analysis: The rookie quarterback was mostly held in check on the ground, posting his lowest rushing-yard total through his first six NFL games, but Daniels still hit Terry McLaurin for TDs in the second and fourth quarters while setting a new career high in passing yards. Daniels has produced an impressive 10 touchdowns (six passing, four rushing) against only two INTs so far, and in Week 7, he'll get a much softer opponent in the struggling Panthers.

Overcomes slow start in win

Daniels completed 14 of 25 passes for 238 yards and one touchdown with one interception and added 82 rushing yards on 11 carries in Sunday's 34-13 win over the Browns.

Analysis: While the Browns defense was able to force some misfires from Daniels early and hold him below a 60 percent completion rate for the first time in his career, the rookie QB still came up with plenty of big plays both through the air and on the ground, including a 41-yard dime in the end zone to Dyami Brown right before halftime that essentially put the game away. Daniels has produced eight TDs (four passing, four rushing) through his first five NFL games against only two turnovers, and in Week 6…read more

Accurate again in dominant win

Daniels completed 26 of 30 passes for 233 yards, one touchdown and one interception in Sunday's 42-14 win over the Cardinals. He added eight rushing attempts for 47 yards and a touchdown. Daniels also threw a two-point conversion.

Analysis: Daniels has completed 47 of 53 passes while leading the Commanders to 80 points over the last two weeks. The rookie second overall pick scored his fourth rushing touchdown on a nine-yard run early in the third quarter, then threw his third passing touchdown of the campaign with a 10-yard pass to Terry McLaurin in the fourth. Daniels has taken the NFL by storm with his mix of elusiveness and accuracy, and he'll look to keep rolling in Week 5, when the 3-1 Commanders host the 1-3 Browns.

Spearheads big road victory

Daniels completed 21 of 23 passes for 254 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions while adding 12 rushes for 39 yards and another score in the Commanders' 38-33 win over the Bengals on Monday.

Analysis: Eight days after securing his first NFL win in the form of a 21-18 victory over the Giants, Daniels faced and passed a much tougher test in a road primetime clash against a fully healthy Bengals offense. Facing off with fellow LSU alum Joe Burrow, Daniels went toe to toe with the 2020 first overall pick and emerged the victor courtesy of his four-yard scoring run and one and 27-yard touchdown tosses to Trent Scott and Terry McLaurin, respectively -- the first two touchdown passes of his career.…read more

Does just enough for first NFL win

Daniels completed 23 of 29 passes for 226 yards in Sunday's 21-18 win over the Giants. He added 44 rushing yards on 10 carries.

Analysis: The rookie quarterback led the Commanders on seven scoring drives, but all seven resulted in field goals rather than finishing in the end zone. Daniels did a good job of taking care of the ball though, despite fierce pressure from the Giants defense that resulted in five sacks. The second overall pick in the 2024 Draft has been brought down seven times through his first two games, and the inability of the Washington offensive line to protect Daniels could encourage coordinator Kliff Kingsbury…read more

Two rushing TDs in losing debut

Daniels completed 17 of 24 passes for 184 yards while rushing 16 times for 88 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday's 37-20 loss to the Buccaneers.

Analysis: Daniels scored one-yard rushing touchdowns in the third and fourth quarters, in addition to coming just 12 yards shy of ending Washington's 22-game drought without a 100-yard rusher. The rookie second overall pick was ineffective as a passer, though, with most of his production coming after the game was well out of reach. He also put the ball on the ground three times, but all three fumbles were recovered by the Commanders. Daniels has a nice opportunity to take a step forward throwing the ball…read more

Won't play Sunday

Daniels will not play in the Commanders' preseason finale against the Patriots on Sunday night, Ben Standig of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: Daniels will rest along with a number of the Commanders' other locked-in starters. The No. 2 overall pick in April's draft, Daniels wraps up his preseason having completed 12 of 15 passes for 123 scoreless yards and a 3-16-1 rushing line. The next time we see Daniels will be Week 1 in Tampa Bay. He's shaping up as a fringe QB1/2 in fantasy drafts.

Officially named Week 1 starter

Coach Dan Quinn announced Monday that Daniels will open the regular season as Washington's starting quarterback, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.

Analysis: Daniels has effectively operated as the Commanders' starting QB throughout training camp, with Marcus Mariota (groin) working as his backup, so to see the rookie No. 2 overall pick officially slated to open Week 1 under center doesn't come as a surprise. In two preseason appearances so far, Daniels has been impressive, especially during Saturday night's loss to the Dolphins. Daniels played the Commanders' first two drives versus Miami and completed 10 of 12 passes for 78 yards, while rushing…read more

Another encouraging effort in loss

Daniels completed 10 of 12 passes for 78 yards and rushed twice for 13 yards in the Commanders' 13-6 preseason loss to the Dolphins on Saturday night.

Analysis: The rookie followed up an encouraging but brief appearance in the Commanders' preseason opener against the Jets with an even better performance Saturday night. Daniels played on Washington's first two series and remained busy throughout, having a hand in eight consecutive plays on the opening possession after Brian Robinson logged the first touch from scrimmage. Daniels led the team into field-goal territory on both drives, although placekicker Riley Patterson was able to make good on only one…read more

Should play a drive or two

Daniels and other starters are expected to play one or two drives in Saturday's preseason game at Miami, Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: Daniels played one series in the preseason opener last Saturday against the Jets, completing two of three passes for 45 yards and rushing for a three-yard TD. It sounds like he and the other starters won't play much more than that this Saturday.

Runs in TD on only drive Saturday

Daniels completed two of three passes for 45 yards and rushed once for a three-yard touchdown in Saturday's 20-17 preseason loss to the Jets.

Analysis: Daniels' first NFL game action got off to an ideal start, as he connected with Dyami Brown for a 42-yard gain on his second pass and ultimately capped the opening drive with a three-yard touchdown run. That was the only drive Daniels played, but the rookie second overall pick still managed to put his dual-threat skill set on display during his short time in the game. Marcus Mariota played the next drive, which went three-and-out. Daniels is on track to open the regular season as the starter…read more

Listed as starter

Daniels is listed atop the initial preseason depth chart at quarterback and will start Saturday's preseason game against the Jets, Ben Standig of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: Daniels is one of three Washington rookies listed as a starter, with the others being left tackle Brandon Coleman. taken with the 67th overall pick, and slot corner Mike Sainristil, drafted 50th overall. In Daniels' case, there's never really been any doubt he would start, as he's taken more first-team reps than Marcus Mariota during training camp. The second overall pick won't have the best receiving talent around him in Year 1 aside from Terry McLaurin, although a rebound season from Austin…read more

Playing in preseason opener

Daniels is expected to play in Saturday's preseason opener on the road against the Jets, John Keim of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Daniels has been the Commanders' first quarterback during the full-team sessions during training camp and appears likely to be the starter against New York. The second overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft is battling with Marcus Mariota for the starting job in Washington this season, but Daniels seems to have the edge heading into the preseason.

Splits starting reps to begin camp

Coach Dan Quinn said Tuesday that Daniels and Marcus Mariota are splitting first-team reps to begin training camp, Albert Breer of SI.com reports.

Analysis: "When [Daniels] is ready, we'll know," Quinn said. During June minicamp it was Daniels, the second overall pick in the 2024 draft, who received most of the first-team reps, but it sounds as though the Commanders want him to now earn the starting job. All things considered, it would come as a surprise if Mariota and not Daniels opened the season under center for Washington, but the team has yet to name a Week 1 starter, and it could take until the preseason before clarity on the quarterback…read more