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Sports · Football (NFL) · published 2026-09-20 · via The Athletic

Injured Daniels leaves Commanders' QB duties to Mariota

The Washington Commanders lost their second straight game, dropping to 0-2, and quarterback Jayden Daniels left with an elbow injury. Backup Marcus Mariota is expected to take over as the starter for the time being.

Expanded Detail

The Washington Commanders are off to a winless start after two weeks, a challenging position for any NFL team. Their latest defeat was compounded by an injury to rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, who left the game with an elbow problem. This early-season setback puts the team in a difficult spot as they search for their first victory.

With Daniels sidelined, veteran backup Marcus Mariota is expected to step in as the starting quarterback. Mariota brings years of professional experience, though he has not been a regular starter recently. The Commanders will lean on his leadership while Daniels recovers, hoping to steady the ship and turn their season around.

Context

This quarterback change could affect the Commanders' fan base, which may see early-season hopes dim further. Fantasy football owners who drafted Daniels might face immediate roster adjustments, while sports media coverage may shift focus to Mariota's performance. The injury could also slow Daniels' development, potentially impacting the team's long-term plans and the broader narrative around rookie quarterbacks adjusting to the NFL.

Expanded detail and Context are AI-generated analysis; the linked article remains the authoritative source.
Read the full article at The Athletic →
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This summary is Al-enhanced to contain extended analysis and broader social context. The original is {NAME); the linked article is the authoritative source. Original headline: “Commanders fall to 0-2: What's next after Jayden Daniels injury?.” Browse more stories.