Overview
- Daniels was seen throwing Wednesday and is expected to be a full participant in practice this week, with the team saying full practice status is the key condition for him to be cleared to start on Sunday.
- The Commanders will have Daniels wear a protective elbow brace and are running drills to reduce elbow exposure as they balance short-term returns with the risk of re‑injury after a repeat dislocation.
- Backup Marcus Mariota suffered a sprained MCL in Week 4 and is projected to miss multiple weeks but was not placed on injured reserve, leaving rookie Athan Kaliakmanis as emergency depth.
- Kaliakmanis threw 15-of-33 for 186 yards, one touchdown and one interception in relief against the Colts, underscoring how crucial Daniels’ availability is to Washington’s offense.
- Top receiver Terry McLaurin is working off to the side with a hamstring issue and remains week-to-week, and the team’s 1-3 start means Daniels’ return would materially affect game plans and the Commanders’ season trajectory.