The Washington Commanders made a clear, calculated call for Week 3 against the Raiders, opting to start Marcus Mariota while giving Jayden Daniels a chance to fully recover. Daniels, who suffered a knee injury in Week 2 against the Green Bay Packers, had been limited in practice all week, focusing on speed drills, linear running, and controlled throwing. Head coach Dan Quinn was cautious, noting, “We’re gonna be smart, not just fast,” as the team prioritized Daniels’ long-term health over short-term gain. Robert Griffin III quickly weighed in on the decision, giving it a strong endorsement.
“The Washington Commanders are doing the right thing with Jayden Daniels by not playing him with a knee injury. Don’t play with his long-term future for short-term gain,” RG3 tweeted on September 19, adding, “All players want to play, but it is the organization’s job to protect the player’s future. Bravo.” Coming from a quarterback whose own career was derailed by rushing back from injury, those words carry serious weight.
Daniels’ injury isn’t just a minor setback. It’s a red flag that demands careful handling. History shows the dangers of pushing a young quarterback too soon. RG3’s rookie season ended with torn ligaments and a fractured trust with coaches, and Kyle Shanahan, then offensive coordinator, continued to defend his decision. Daniels now benefits from that hard-earned lesson. Health first, stats second, ego nowhere near the playbook. Meanwhile, Mariota steps in with confidence.
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When asked about his thoughts on starting against his former team, the Raiders, Mariota made it clear that he has no intention to overcompensate. “My routine stays the same,” Mariota said. “It just kind of creates that normal procedure for me, and it allows me just to go out there and play and not have to worry about, OK, I got to do this extra, I got to do that. I just kind stick to my process and allow that process to work.”
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In two relief appearances last season, he completed 77.3% of his passes for 364 yards and four touchdowns, proving he can carry the load. But none of those stats overshadow the bigger picture, safeguarding a young QB’s career. This is rare foresight in today’s NFL, and RG3’s approval adds an undeniable seal of legitimacy.
When Daniels eventually takes the field again, the hope is he’ll be not just healthy, but stronger. The organization, coaches, and fans all understand what rushing quarterbacks can do. RG3’s endorsement isn’t nostalgia, it’s validation. Smart decisions, patience, and courage off the field can be just as game-changing as any touchdown.
That’s what pushed fans to show sympathy for the former NFL signal caller.
Fans show love to Robert Griffin III
Fans poured in with love for Robert Griffin III after he praised the Commanders’ decision to sit Jayden Daniels. The replies were heartfelt, and many brought back memories of RG3’s own journey. One fan wrote, “No question about it. I wish the Redskins had protected you the same way.” It’s hard to argue. RG3’s rookie year in 2012 was electric—3,200 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, a playoff berth, but his torn LCL and ACL in that January playoff game against Seattle changed everything. Fans still feel he was left exposed far too often.
Another reaction cut straight to the bigger picture. “Honestly, if more NFL teams thought like this, we’d see fewer career ending injuries every season. It’s rare, but it’s right.” Teams like Washington taking a long-term view may be rare, but it’s a shift fans are demanding to see more of.
The frustration ran deep for others. “They should have kept you out when you got your leg injured. I was very upset with Shanahan for playing you.” That January game saw RG3, already playing with a sprained LCL, aggravate the injury in the first quarter itself. By the final quarter, his knee and the trust between staff and player were broken.
Another fan was blunt about the heartbreak. “Total shame they didn’t take the same care with you. You deserved better.” Griffin went from Rookie of the Year to backing up guys like Lamar Jackson, never fully regaining his rookie explosiveness. Fans see Daniels getting the protection RG3 never had, and it stings.
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And then came the respect-filled nod. “Spoken like a man who knows what he’s talking about.” Few can speak with more authority on the dangers of rushing back. RG3 lived it, multiple surgeries, a rollercoaster career, and his perspective now serves as a warning for the next generation. These reactions aren’t just nostalgia. They’re a reminder of the cost of impatience in the NFL.
Fans are cheering because this time, Washington seems to have learned the lesson.