Commanders reveal Jayden Daniels' status for game vs. Giants

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Commanders reveal Jayden Daniels' status for game vs. Giants

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Oct 9, 2026 4:35 PM ET

The Washington Commanders got good news Friday when head coach Dan Quinn officially announced that star quarterback Jayden Daniels would be the starter for Sunday's pivotal NFC East game against the New York Giants.

Getting Jayden Daniels back is massive for Washington

Daniels dislocated his left elbow on the final play of the first half in Week 2 against the Dallas Cowboys and has been out of action ever since. He opted not to get surgery, but rather wear a protective brace on his elbow, something that helped accelerate his return.

A returning Daniels in Week 5 had been expected even prior to last week and that expectation ramped up even more when backup Marcus Mariota went down with a knee injury in Week 4 against the Indianapolis Colts.

Washington (1-3) is in a must-win situation on Sunday against New York (3-1) if it hopes to remain in contention in what has turned into an extremely weak NFC East.

HC Dan Quinn confirmed that Jayden Daniels will start on Sunday pic.twitter.com/qGictsSy4L
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) October 9, 2026

Washington's injury report ahead of Sunday is troubling

Washington seems to be getting several reinforcements back on Sunday, but it has also announced a game status of "out" for other key players.

Nick Cross, Sam Cosmi and Rachaad White are all returning players who are either good to go or questionable on Sunday. On the downside, receivers Terry McLaurin (questionable) and Stefon Diggs (out) could be big losses offensively for Daniels.

Along with Diggs, the Commanders have three safeties, Tyler Owens, Percy Butler and Nick Cross all listed as "out," something the Giants could look to take advantage of.

#NYGvsWAS game status
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) October 9, 2026

Jayden Daniels has been successful against the Giants

Daniels has made three career starts against the Giants, and he's been extremely successful in all of them.

He's completed 57-of-81 passes (70.3%), totaling 668 yards with three touchdowns and no turnovers. Daniels has also been impactful on the ground, carrying 29 times for 147 yards, an average of just over five yards per carry.

The Commanders will need Daniels to continue his success against New York if they hope to improve to 2-3 and remain in the hunt for an NFC East title.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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