Raiders gain intel on key aspect of next game

After the 20-9 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday, the Las Vegas Raiders are hoping for a bounce back against the Washington Commanders.

Before the game, however, the Raiders received an update on the status of Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels. A MRI revealed that Daniels suffered a sprained knee in the Commanders’ loss on Thursday against the Green Bay Packers. While it is not expected to be a long-term injury, it does cast doubt on whether Daniels will be available when the Raiders head to Washington on Sunday.

With practices underway, the Raiders have now learned what the plan is going to be for Daniels this week.

The Commanders will have a clear timeline to set Daniels’s availability.

Daniels has already been confirmed to not be practicing until before Friday, and he will be ruled out if he is unable to go by that time.

Commanders head coach Dan Quinn did say, however, that Daniels had a good rehab session on Wednesday, despite setting the timeline for when he would be comfortable in bringing his quarterback back to the practice field.

It is not dissimilar to the caution the Raiders exercised themselves with tight end Brock Bowers this past week. Bowers avoided a severe injury to his knee in the season opener against the New England Patriots, but he did not practice until late in the week in preparation for the Chargers. While Bowers did play in that game, he was largely held in check, recording five catches for only 38 yards.

If Daniels is unable to suit up on Sunday, the Commanders would turn to Marcus Mariota against the Raiders. Mariota was highly recruited by Raiders offensive coordinator Chip Kelly during his time at the University of Oregon, and he was also the team’s backup quarterback for two seasons (2020-21).

Daniels is certainly a storyline worth monitoring, as having to deal with his athleticism will be a challenge for the Raiders if he is given the green light.