Jayden Daniels sidelined as Washington Commanders aim to avoid RG3-like disaster against Raiders
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels will not take the field this Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders, as the team exercises caution regarding his knee sprain. This decision reflects a broader strategy within the organization—one that aims to prevent a repeat of the missteps experienced during Robert Griffin III’s tenure.
Cautious Approach Amidst Injury Concerns
In the aftermath of Daniels’ sprain during Week 2’s defeat to the Green Bay Packers, the Commanders are prioritizing his long-term health. Facing significant pressure throughout that game, Daniels was sacked four times and hit a total of 12 times. Although he managed to finish the contest, subsequent MRI results confirmed the injury, prompting the team to err on the side of caution.
NFL insider Jordan Schultz highlighted the team’s mindset, tweeting on Friday, “The team is being extra cautious, not wanting to make any sort of RG3-type mistake — something that’s been mentioned in the building.” This reference to Griffin’s history serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of rushing a player back from injury.
Lessons from the Past
The Commanders’ leadership is clearly wary of repeating the mistakes made with Griffin, who suffered devastating knee injuries early in his career. His torn ACL, LCL, and meniscus ligaments resulted from a series of mismanaged recoveries, where he was pushed back onto the field prematurely. The lingering effects of those decisions have cast a long shadow over the organization, making the current approach all the more prudent.
Adjustments on the Offensive Line
With Daniels sidelined, the Commanders are making necessary adjustments to their offensive line. Andrew Wylie is set to start at right guard, a move aimed at bolstering protection after the team faced consistent pressure from that side in previous games. With 88 career starts, Wylie brings experience and stability to a critical position.
Mariota at the Helm
Backup quarterback Marcus Mariota will step in as the starter against the Raiders. The stakes are high for Mariota, as the team’s decision not to rush Daniels back means he must keep the team competitive. A string of losses could intensify calls for Daniels’ return, creating additional pressure on Mariota to perform.
As the Commanders prepare for this matchup, all eyes will be on their ability to navigate the challenges posed by the Raiders while ensuring that their future star quarterback remains healthy for the long haul.
