Commanders HC provides much-needed positive Jayden Daniels news after blowout loss to Chiefs

Without second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels, the Washington Commanders looked hapless in a blowout loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on "Monday Night Football."

Daniels didn't play because of a right hamstring injury suffered in a Week 7 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. With Marcus Mariota starting at QB, the Commanders were no match for the Chiefs' stingy defense, losing 28-7. Luckily for Washington, the 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year may be on track to return soon. 

Commanders HC Dan Quinn provides good news on Jayden Daniels 

"He had a good rehab session on Sunday," Quinn told the media Tuesday. "Team's back out at practice tomorrow, and we plan on him being a part of that." 

If Daniels practices throughout the rest of the week, he could play in Week 9 against the Seattle Seahawks (5-2) on "Sunday Night Football." That would be ideal for the slumping Commanders (3-5), third in the NFC East behind the Cowboys (3-4-1) and Philadelphia Eagles (6-2).

Washington's playoff chances are dropping after losing three straight games. As of Tuesday, ESPN's Football Power Index gives the Commanders a 13.2 percent chance to make the postseason. Those odds could continue to dwindle without a healthy Daniels.

The 2024 No. 2 pick hasn't been as impressive as he was during his rookie season, but he's still one of the better starting QBs in the league. In five games, he has completed 89-of-146 passes for 1,031 yards, eight touchdowns and one interception.

Mariota, meanwhile, has completed 56-of-88 passes for 639 yards and the same number of TD passes and interceptions (four) in four games. Against Kansas City, he threw two picks. He could certainly continue to struggle against Seattle's seventh-ranked scoring defense (19.4 PPG). 

The Commanders' season looks like it may be on the verge of being derailed. But if Daniels returns and stays healthy, that could help Washington get things back under control.