Jayden Daniels, Deebo Samuel to Play For Commanders vs. Chargers Despite Injuries

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels will return from his knee injury and start Sunday's Week 5 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers, the team announced Friday.

Star wide receiver Deebo Samuel, who has been nursing a heel injury, will also play, head coach Dan Quinn told reporters.

Daniels missed the Commanders' Week 3 win over the Las Vegas Raiders as well as their Week 4 defeat at the hands of the Atlanta Falcons due to a knee sprain.

He suffered the injury during Washington's 27-18 loss to the Green Bay Packers in Week 2 after he was hit by Packers safety Javon Bullard while scrambling outside the pocket.

Daniels was cleared by doctors on Wednesday and returned to practice as a full participant, an encouraging sign for the Commanders as they look to build upon their 2-2 record.

The second-year passer hasn't been hampered by injuries throughout his budding NFL career prior to his latest knee issue, as he appeared in all 17 regular-season games as a rookie.

Daniels immediately exceeded expectations in 2024, throwing for 3,568 yards and 25 touchdowns compared to nine interceptions. He also rushed for 891 yards and six scores, earning Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.

The Commanders finished with a 12-5 record in Daniels' inaugural season and advanced to the NFC Championship Game for the first time since their 1991 campaign.

This year, Daniels completed 59.7 percent of his throws for 433 yards and three touchdowns without getting picked off through his first two appearances. He picked up 85 yards on the ground as well.

Marcus Mariota filled in for Daniels under center while he was sidelined.

Mariota threw for 207 yards and one touchdown in his first start against Las Vegas, but recorded just 156 pass yards and two touchdowns compared to one interception while averaging 5.8 yards per attempt in the loss to Atlanta.

Samuel, meanwhile, has appeared in all four games for the Commanders this season. The star wideout has caught 22 passes for 204 yards and two touchdowns, in addition to rushing for 46 yards and a score on seven carries.