Commanders ready to rely on backups against Falcons with Daniels and McLaurin’s statuses in doubt

Nobody knows who will lead the Commanders’ offense on Sunday when they face the Falcons in Atlanta. Star quarterback Jayden Daniels practiced on a limited basis on Wednesday, while receiver Terry McLaurin remained sidelined.

Daniels is still recovering from a knee sprain suffered nearly two weeks ago in the loss to the Green Bay Packers. McLaurin, who missed the entirety of training camp due to contract negotiations, left Sunday’s win over the Las Vegas Raiders with a quad injury.

The team couldn’t provide an update on McLaurin, who received a second opinion on his injury this week. But Daniels is working toward a return to action.  

“He is doing everything you possibly can to get there,” Commanders coach Dan Quinn said of his quarterback. “The guy’s the ultimate competitor. He is absolutely digging in.”

After missing two of three practices last week, Daniels joined his teammates on the field Wednesday. He tossed passes into a net during a competition with his fellow quarterbacks, showing off quick footwork that appeared unbothered by the knee sprain. 

The reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year then jogged through routes to help the other signal-callers warm up. 

The arm strength isn’t a concern, according to Quinn, but he wants to see the former Heisman Trophy winner cut on a dime before clearing him to play.

How much running and cutting has Daniels done so far?

“Enough to feel good if I play on Sunday,” the LSU product said. 

Daniels limited his comments on the injury, deferring to the team’s coaching and medical staff regarding whether he’d start on Sunday. 

Ever the competitor, Daniels said he’s ready to join his teammates against the Falcons.

“I feel good. It doesn’t affect me,” he said, noting that he’s still getting used to wearing a brace on the injured knee. “I’m myself.“

The offense didn’t miss a beat without the dual-threat passer against the Raiders, though. Backup quarterback Marcus Mariota helped the team post 41 points in a dominant showing. If he has to take the reins again this week, his coaches and teammates aren’t worried. 

“I was one of the least surprised people in the stadium because of what I’ve seen out here and the work that he puts in to get himself ready. I’ve seen all that,” Quinn said. “The attitude, the way that he plays, just suits him so well in this system.”

However, the depth behind McLaurin remains questionable. 

Noah Brown, another top receiver, missed the Raiders game with a groin injury. He didn’t practice on Wednesday, either. 

Absences from him and McLaurin would require the offense to depend on Deebo Samuel — who has enjoyed a strong start to the season — and the young duo of Jaylin Lane and Luke McCaffrey. 

Washington’s Pro Bowl receiver plays a key role as a downfield threat for offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury.

“He’s Terry. He does what he does; he makes big plays, but we were dealing with that throughout training camp,” Daniels said. “So we have the next man up mentality. We’re confident in other people to make plays.”

McLaurin’s absence isn’t just a loss — it’s an opportunity for the younger players to make an impact. 

“We train the players: don’t count on this as a possibility, but more of a certainty, knowing that at some point, when that space comes, when you’re called upon, that you’re able to deliver,” Quinn said. “It’s one of the best feelings that you can provide to your teammates.”

Lane and McCaffrey both said they’re ready and eager to step into larger roles, regardless of who’s playing quarterback. 

“The best part of our team is our team. [Quinn] said that in a meeting last week, and it hit home,” McCaffrey said. “Whatever your role is, you’re going to work to do that at the highest level and do your job.”

Both Lane and McCaffrey scored their first career touchdowns last Sunday, Lane through a punt return and McCaffrey on a fourth-quarter pass from Mariota. 

“We’re excited,” said Lane, a rookie from Virginia Tech. “We’re all here for a reason. When our opportunity comes, we’re going to make the most of it.”

Quinn expects to have a firmer handle on the injury report on Friday, after the team’s final practice of the week. After that, the 2-1 Commanders will have 48 hours to prepare to face the 1-2 Falcons.