Jayden Daniels a "Full Go" For Washington Commanders vs. Giants

The Washington Commanders were staying patient at quarterback -- and understandably so -- until Thursday.

Offensive coordinator David Blough said that quarterback Jayden Daniels is a "full go" this weekend, marking his first appearance since departing the week two loss against the Dallas Cowboys. It marks an expected development, yet a big boost for a Washington team looking to climb out of an early season hole.

The good news is the Washington Commanders may have avoided an injury scare at the position after head coach Dan Quinn confirmed that veteran Marcus Mariota suffered an sprained MCL in the week four loss against the Indianapolis Colts, the same MCL he injured in preseason. Mariota is not expected to go on injured reserve, mitigating a potential need to sign another veteran backup, while rookie Athan Kaliakmanis rounds out the room.

Quinn noted on Monday that the goal is for Daniels to have a full week of practice before drawing the start on Sunday, though he will likely have to do so with a slight adjustment given he's sporting a brace to protect his left arm. Daniels previously stressed that the brace has no impact on his throwing motion while noting he "felt good" in the days ahead of week four after being part of the group of injured Commanders who traveled with the team to London, though stressed the confidence in his recovery stemmed from the injury hitting his non-throwing arm.

"I think as long as I got the right one to tack, I'll be alright," Daniels added.

Washington will also look for additional good news around Daniels as right guard Sam Cosmi returned to practice with a chance to step back into the starter role, though the status of both Terry McLaurin and Stefon Diggs remains unclear. Quinn noted that McLaurin worked on the side field after being listed as a 'DNP' on Wednesday, though Diggs was also inactive on Wednesday with what the team ruled a hamstring injury. Tight end Chig Okonkwo, who went down in his week one debut, and running back Bill Croskey-Merritt were also limited as the offense looks to get back to full strength against a defense featuring Kayvon Thibodeaux and Arvell Reese in the front seven.

Daniels has won all three meetings against the New York Giants, though this week presents a different challenge than the past with John Harbaugh embracing year one as head coach of a new organization while leading his team to a 3-1 start to lead the NFC East.

Washington will look to avoid its first 1-4 start since 2022 when the Giants take the field at Northwest Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 11 with kickoff set for 1 PM.