The Washington Commanders are staring down a rough situation, with quarterback Marcus Mariota now reportedly nursing an MCL sprain. That news immediately cranked up the urgency for starter Jayden Daniels to get back on the field, especially with his own dislocated elbow keeping him sidelined. This is not the kind of one-two punch any team wants to deal with early in the season, period.
Elbow Woes and Team Reps: Is Daniels Ready?
The big question everyone’s asking: can Daniels suit up? The word is the Commanders are really hoping he can play next weekend when they face off against the Giants. But here’s the kicker: his ability to fully participate in practice is the single most important factor. He did get some team reps this week, which is something, but he was limited in practice on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. You just know everyone in that locker room is watching him closely, wondering if that elbow is good to go for real.
Kaliakmanis Steps Up: A Rough Ride or a Spark?
If both Daniels and Mariota are out, then it falls to seventh-round rookie Athan Kaliakmanis to get his first career start. We saw him out there already, and while it was a bit rough initially, he did connect for a 47-yard touchdown pass to Treylon Burks in the third quarter against the Colts, cutting the score to 17-13. The problem? The Colts took control after that. The Commanders, sitting at a tough 1-3 record, can’t afford too many more of those rough starts.
So yeah, all eyes are on Daniels and that elbow. Can he actually go? Because that Sunday game against the 3-1 Giants? That’s not just another game for a team sitting at 1-3. That’s a critical moment for any effort by the Commanders to turn things around this season. This is where you find out what a team is made of.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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