Washington Commanders fans have reason to be optimistic after Head Coach Dan Quinn delivered a wave of encouraging injury updates on Monday. The most significant news centers on second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels, who has missed the last two games with a knee injury. Daniels practiced strongly on Saturday, and Quinn said the team will carefully manage his workload this week to determine if he can start Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers.
“Jayden had a strong workout here Saturday,” Quinn said. “We will take today and tomorrow and work out his practice plan. We will go through the whole process with him this week, medically, how he feels, how he practices, and give you the updates Wednesday as I know them.”
The Commanders have split their last two games without Daniels, sitting at 2-2 on the season. His potential return could bring stability and a spark to the offense as Washington looks to bounce back after Sunday’s tough loss in Atlanta. The former Heisman Trophy winners dual-threat ability could energize the locker room, and the possibility of him taking snaps against the Chargers marks a major boost.
Key Playmakers Trending Upward
The good news does not stop at quarterback. Wide receiver Terry McLaurin, a cornerstone of Washington’s passing attack, is moving in the right direction after missing time. Quinn also shared that wide receiver Noah Brown and tight end John Bates are progressing well.
“I would say we are all trending in the right space on there,” Quinn noted. “We will have a better update on Wednesday in terms of practice planning and that, but arrows are heading up for a number of the guys.”
Getting McLaurin back would immediately open up Washington’s offense, while Brown and Bates could provide much-needed depth. Bates offers value in both blocking and as a short-yardage option, while Brown’s size and route running can complement McLaurin’s and Deebo Samuel Sr‘s explosiveness.
On the offensive line, guard Sam Cosmi is nearing his window to return to practice. After putting in significant rehab work, Cosmi could rejoin a unit that has battled through lineup changes early in the season. “He is getting closer for sure for being in his window to begin practice,” Quinn said. “He has really put in a lot of work to begin that window. It is definitely trending in the right spot.”
The prospect of Cosmi reentering the lineup strengthens a group tasked with protecting Daniels and creating running lanes. His return would represent another step toward Washington fielding its full offensive arsenal.
Defense Stays Resilient Despite Setback
While most of the updates were positive, Quinn confirmed that defensive end Javontae Jean-Baptiste suffered a pectoral injury during Sunday’s loss to Atlanta. The injury will sideline him for an extended period, but the Commanders believe their depth across the defensive front can help them adjust.
Losing Jean-Baptiste stings, especially after the second-year former Notre Dame standout showed flashes of promise in his early snaps. Yet Washington still boasts a strong defensive rotation led by veterans and emerging players. Quinn expressed confidence that the defense will rally together and maintain its physical presence, even as it waits for healthier days ahead.
The collective injury progress, from Daniels at quarterback to McLaurin at receiver and Cosmi on the line, signals better times ahead for the Commanders. With multiple stars trending toward returns, the team is poised to enter a critical stretch with renewed strength.
As Quinn emphasized, the path back to full health is about patience and preparation. Washington may not be at 100 percent yet, but the arrow is pointing up, and the timing could not be better as the Commanders prepare for a road test against the Chargers.