Jayden Daniels Injured, Fantasy Managers Seek Alternatives as Marcus Mariota Prepares for Commanders
Fantasy football enthusiasts had high hopes for Jayden Daniels as their starting quarterback this season. However, after two challenging weeks, the situation has taken a turn for the worse. Daniels has not practiced all week for the Washington Commanders, casting serious doubt on his availability for Sunday’s Week 3 matchup. With Daniels sidelined, Marcus Mariota is poised to step in as the starting quarterback, a development that could bring some relief to the Commanders’ receiving corps. But the pressing question remains: what should managers do if they have Daniels in their lineup?
Jayden Daniels Injury Update
Earlier in the week, Commanders head coach Dan Quinn expressed optimism about having Daniels return to practice by Friday. Unfortunately, that hope has proven unfounded, as Daniels has been absent for all three practice days. While he typically ranks as a QB1 when healthy, this week, fantasy managers will likely need to bench him and look for alternatives.
Potential Fantasy Replacements for Daniels
For those who find themselves without a backup quarterback, there’s no need to panic just yet. Several viable options are available on the waiver wire, particularly among quarterbacks who are under 50% rostered in ESPN leagues. Although Daniel Jones is currently over that threshold at 74%, he could still be worth a look if you can snag him.
Russell Wilson: Fresh off a 450-yard performance, Wilson faces a favorable matchup against the Chiefs this Sunday night. While he may not replicate that yardage, he’s still a solid option.
Matthew Stafford: While Stafford has a tough matchup against the Eagles, he remains a reliable choice, especially for those willing to take a risk.
Trevor Lawrence: Set to take on the Texans, Lawrence may find himself needing to air it out to secure a victory for the Jaguars.
Michael Penix Jr.: He has a promising matchup against the Panthers, presenting another appealing option for fantasy managers.
Even Marcus Mariota could serve as a reasonable pick-up in a pinch, adding depth to your roster while Daniels recovers.
As fantasy football continues to evolve week by week, it’s crucial to stay informed and adapt quickly. Here’s hoping for a speedy recovery for Daniels, so he can return to the gridiron and help lead his fantasy teams to victory.
