Raiders to Face Commanders Without Star QB Jayden Daniels

LAS VEGAS, Nev. — The Las Vegas Raiders are gearing up to face the Washington Commanders in Week 3 of the NFL season, but they will not be facing Commanders’ star quarterback Jayden Daniels. Daniels has been dealing with a knee injury that kept him out of practice all week. Head coach Dan Quinn confirmed that if he didn’t practice, he wouldn’t play.

“With Jayden, we know how important he is, and we’re just going to kind of take it slowly,” Quinn stated during a press conference. “It’s day by day to make sure that he can absolutely be himself.”

Daniels’ absence is a significant setback for the Commanders as they prepare to play the Raiders. In his place, the team will likely start Marcus Mariota, who played for the Raiders in 2020 and 2021.

“We have to prepare for him playing, and the bet is probably that he will,” said Raiders’ head coach Pete Carroll. “We’re going to count him going. We know what his capabilities are, and so we’re playing for both guys, but primarily for Jayden.”

Mariota expressed confidence in stepping up if called upon. “I want to be out there for my team and tough it out,” he said. “If you feel like you can do what you normally do, then go ahead. Just be you.”

The Raiders, currently facing a challenging schedule, will be looking to capitalize on the Commanders’ injury struggles. The Commanders enter the game with a 1-1 record after losing against the Green Bay Packers. The Raiders, aiming to break a four-game losing streak against the Commanders, hope this matchup could be an opportunity for redemption.

Kickoff is scheduled for 10 a.m. PT on Sunday, and both teams are looking to prove themselves as they continue their seasons.