Commanders' Quinn: 'Goal is for' Daniels to start Sunday vs. Giants

LANDOVER, MARYLAND - SEPTEMBER 27: Jayden Daniels #5 of the Washington Commanders walks the field prior to an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks at Northwest Stadium on September 27, 2026 in Landover, Maryland.
Kevin Sabitus / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn is optimistic Jayden Daniels will return for the team's Week 5 matchup against the New York Giants on Sunday.

"The goal is for him to have a full week of practice and start on Sunday," Quinn said Monday, according to JP Finlay of NBC4 Sports.

Daniels has missed the last two games with a dislocated left elbow he sustained in Week 2. He practiced in a limited capacity before Washington ruled him out for its Week 4 loss against the Indianapolis Colts.

The 25-year-old will wear an elbow brace for added protection when he's back under center.

Daniels' return couldn't come at a better time for Washington after backup quarterback Marcus Mariota suffered a knee injury in Sunday's loss. Quinn said Monday that he didn't have a timetable for Mariota's return, according to ESPN's John Keim.

If neither Daniels nor Mariota is healthy enough to play next Sunday, rookie passer Athan Kaliakmanis will likely start. Kaliakmanis completed 15 of 33 passes for 186 yards, one touchdown, and one interception after replacing Mariota on Sunday.

The Commanders sit in last place in the NFC East at 1-3, while the Giants are atop the division at 3-1.

"We're all frustrated and pissed," Quinn said.

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