Jayden Daniels Fully Cleared from Knee Injury by Doctors Ahead of Commanders-Chargers

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels has received medical clearance from team doctors and will practice in full on Wednesday ahead of the team's Week 5 matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers.

Daniels suffered a sprained left knee during his team's 27-18 loss at the Green Bay Packers in Week 2. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo reported that the injury wasn't expected to be a "long-term" issue.

The 2023 Heisman Trophy winner missed his team's 41-24 win over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 3 after missing practice all week. He was a limited participant in a pair of practices the following week, but the Commanders ruled him out for a Week 4 meeting with the Atlanta Falcons.

"He's working incredibly hard, around-the-clock, to get back," head coach Dan Quinn told reporters on Friday, Sept. 26. "Ultimately, doctors haven't cleared him just yet."

Marcus Mariota was the Commanders' starter in Daniels' place, with Josh Johnson serving as the backup. Mariota, a 10-year NFL veteran, completed 15-of-21 passes for 207 yards and a touchdown against the Raiders. He also rushed for 40 yards and a touchdown with a fumble lost on the ground. Ultimately, he fared quite well for Washington en route to victory.

Mariota wasn't quite as effective in Week 4, throwing for 156 yards, two touchdowns and an interception in a 34-27 loss.

Daniels has been sensational for the Commanders in his year-plus with the franchise. Before his arrival, Washington went 4-13. The team tripled its win total after selecting Daniels with the No. 2 overall pick in the NFL draft and went to the NFC Championship Game for the first time in 33 years.

Daniels completed 69.0 percent of his throws for 3,568 yards and 25 touchdowns (nine interceptions). He was excellent on the ground as well, rushing for 891 yards and six scores. Daniels was also incredible in a three-game playoff run with 822 passing yards and five touchdowns (135 rushing yards and one more TD).

This year, Daniels has completed 43-of-72 passes (59.7 percent) for 433 yards and three touchdowns. He's also rushed for 85 yards on 18 carries.