Jayden Daniels is set for a full week of practice after Marcus Mariota's MCL sprain and Jaylin Lane's season-ending ankle injury
By Verdexed NFL Desk
The Washington Commanders left London with a 30-13 loss, a second quarterback injury and a season-ending blow at receiver. On Monday, head coach Dan Quinn confirmed that Marcus Mariota has a sprained MCL in his right knee with no set timeline, the second MCL sprain Mariota has dealt with since the preseason. Quinn also said the plan is for Jayden Daniels, out since dislocating his left elbow in Week 2, to practice in full on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and start Sunday against the New York Giants.
The news on the receiver side was worse. Second-year wideout and return man Jaylin Lane suffered a fracture and dislocation of his ankle in the third quarter, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported, and the injury is expected to end his season.
What happened in London
Mariota was hurt on a sack in the first quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. That pushed seventh-round rookie Athan Kaliakmanis, a 2026 draft pick out of Rutgers, into his NFL debut. Kaliakmanis completed 15 of 33 passes for 186 yards with a touchdown and an interception. His first NFL touchdown pass was a 47-yard strike to Treylon Burks that cut Indianapolis' lead to 17-13 in the third quarter, but Jonathan Taylor ran for two touchdowns and the Colts pulled away.
Washington was already without Terry McLaurin, who was inactive with a hamstring injury he aggravated in Friday's practice. Stefon Diggs led the team with five catches on nine targets, but managed only 35 yards. Lane, who had been the primary kick and punt returner, was carted off after injuring his ankle on a kickoff return. Quinn called it a severe ankle injury after the game. The loss dropped Washington to 1-3.
| Player | Injury | Status | Week 4 note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jayden Daniels | Dislocated left elbow (Week 2) | Goal is full practice week and a start vs. Giants | Did not play |
| Marcus Mariota | Right MCL sprain | Timeline to be determined | Injured on first-quarter sack |
| Athan Kaliakmanis | None | Likely backup to Daniels | 15 of 33, 186 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT |
| Terry McLaurin | Hamstring | Inactive in Week 4, Week 5 status to watch | Did not play |
| Jaylin Lane | Ankle fracture and dislocation | Expected to miss rest of season | Carted off on kickoff return |
Daniels' return timeline
Daniels has not played since the Week 2 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, when he was stepped on by left guard Chris Paul and fell awkwardly, dislocating his left elbow. It was his second elbow dislocation in less than a year. Quinn's Monday comments were the clearest signal yet that Washington expects him back: the goal is a full week of practice, followed by a start on Sunday.
There is still a gap between a goal and a guarantee. Watch the official injury report, particularly whether Daniels is listed as a full participant all three days and whether he carries any designation into the weekend. A full week with no limitations would strongly suggest he is starting.
Fantasy fallout
Jayden Daniels: If he practices fully all week, he goes right back into fantasy lineups as a QB1. His rushing ability gives him a high weekly floor, and the matchup against a division rival at home is a reasonable return spot. The one caution is the elbow: an injury to the non-throwing arm affects how he protects himself as a runner, and Washington could limit designed runs in his first game back.
Athan Kaliakmanis: He is not a fantasy option while Daniels is healthy, but he is now the clear backup. In superflex leagues, he is only worth a roster spot for Daniels managers who want insurance.
Marcus Mariota: With an MCL sprain and no timeline, he can be dropped in superflex leagues unless you have IR room.
Stefon Diggs and Terry McLaurin: Diggs led the team in targets with McLaurin out but did little with them, which says as much about the quarterback situation as about Diggs. Daniels' return is a meaningful upgrade for both receivers. McLaurin's hamstring is the bigger variable; if he returns, he resumes his role as the top target, and Diggs settles in as a strong No. 2.
Treylon Burks: The long touchdown was a nice moment, but he caught one of three targets. He is not a fantasy option in standard leagues.
Jaylin Lane: His fantasy value came mostly from return yardage in leagues that score it. Through four games he averaged 24.6 yards per kickoff return and 12 yards per punt return. Leagues that reward return yards will need to find a new option, and Washington will need a new returner.
What to do in your league
Daniels managers should plan to start him if he is a full participant through Friday. If he is limited at any point, have a backup lined up, since the Giants game is a 1 p.m. ET kickoff and gives you the full late-afternoon slate to pivot.
Hold Diggs and McLaurin. Both get a quarterback upgrade if Daniels plays. If McLaurin misses another week, Diggs is a solid flex. Drop Mariota in most formats and Lane in all formats unless your league has generous IR spots.
What's next
Wednesday's practice report is the first test for Daniels, and McLaurin's hamstring is the other key line. Expect Washington to make a roster move to replace Lane, both at receiver and on special teams. The Commanders host the 3-1 Giants at Northwest Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 11, at 1 p.m. ET. See the model's full card at /nfl/predictions.