Quarterback Jayden Daniels will start for the team’s Week 9 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks on ‘Sunday Night Football.’ Daniels missed the team’s Week 8 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on ‘Monday Night Football’ due to a hamstring injury.
Washington started backup Marcus Mariota for the third time this season. He completed 21 of 30 passes for 213 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. That touchdown to Terry McLaurin tied the game 7-7 before Kansas City pulled away in the second half to take a 28-7 win.
Washington’s back in prime time for Sunday’s game against Seattle. It’s the first of two ‘Sunday Night Football’ games they’ll play in the next five weeks.
It’s also the start of a critical stretch for a team looking to make the playoffs once again. At 3-5, the Commanders face the Seahawks in Week 9 and the Detroit Lions in Week 10. After their bye in Week 12, they’ll face the Denver Broncos at home and the Minnesota Vikings on the road.
With Daniels back in the lineup, they have a better shot at closing the gap to NFC East-leading Philadelphia who sit at 6-2.
Jayden Daniels stats
The reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year’s missed three games this season due to injury: Week 3 versus Las Vegas, Week 4 at Atlanta and Week 8 at Kansas City.
He’s still on pace for a good sophomore season despite missing those games. Through five games, he’s completed 89 of 146 passes (61%) for 1,031 yards, eight touchdowns and one interception. He’s added 44 carries for 211 yards and a touchdown on the ground as well.
Who are the Commanders’ backup quarterbacks?
Jayden Daniels
Marcus Mariota
Josh Johnson
Washington’s gone with experience behind Daniels on the depth chart this season. Mariota, a former No. 2 overall pick, led the Commanders to a 1-2 record in his absence. Johnson has nine years of NFL experience with seven different franchises, most recently the Baltimore Ravens in 2024.
NFC East standings
Philadelphia Eagles: 6-2 (2-1 NFC East)
Dallas Cowboys: 3-4-1 (2-1)
Washington Commanders: 3-5 (1-1)
New York Giants: 2-6 (1-3)