Washington Commanders News

NFC EAST

Jayden Daniels • QB • Commanders

Jayden Daniels Practices in Full on Thursday

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) practiced in full on Thursday, per Grant Paulsen of 106.7 The Fan. Daniels has been sidelined since Week 9 after suffering a dislocated left elbow, but it appears he may be nearing a return to the field in Week 14 against the Minnesota Vikings. The 24-year-old has been limited by multiple injuries to just six games this season. However, Daniels remains one of the NFL's premier dual-threat quarterbacks when healthy, as he's thrown for 1,184 yards and eight touchdowns and rushed for 262 yards and two scores. While Washington has not officially announced that Daniels is cleared to play in Week 14, his return to full practices is undoubtedly a positive sign. If he remains sidelined for another week, veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota will make another start for the Commanders on Sunday against the Vikings.

6 hours ago

Terry McLaurin • WR • Commanders

Terry McLaurin Back to Must-Start Status for Fantasy Managers?

Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin has been a disappointment for fantasy managers in 2025 while playing in just five games due to a nagging quad injury. The 30-year-old wideout aggravated his quad injury back in Week 8 and finally made his return in Sunday night's overtime loss to the Denver Broncos. Despite a tough matchup with last year's Defensive Player of the Year, cornerback Patrick Surtain, McLaurin had his best game of the season, catching seven of his 14 targets for 96 yards and a touchdown. He did it while playing just over half of the offensive snaps. It also came with backup quarterback Marcus Mariota running the offense. Three of his seven grabs went for over 15 yards, signaling that Scary Terry might be back when it matters the most in fantasy. McLaurin heads into another tough matchup on the road against the Vikings in Week 14 -- they've allowed the second-fewest half-PPR points to WRs this year -- but he has WR2 upside as Washington's clear WR1.

10 hours ago

Jayden Daniels • QB • Commanders

Jayden Daniels Returning Vs. Vikings?

While the Washington Commanders have not yet cleared quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) for contact, there's hope that he'll be able to suit up for Sunday's road outing with the Minnesota Vikings. Despite suffering a gruesome elbow injury back in Week 9, the LSU product has steadily progressed. Daniels has only been able to practice in a limited capacity since returning to the team, and will likely need to log a full session before being cleared to play. However, it's encouraging that the Commanders haven't ruled him out for this weekend's clash, leaving the door open for a return to action. If the second-year pro fails to be active for another contest, veteran Marcus Mariota will again lead the charge against a floundering Minnesota squad. Mariota has been serviceable in the former's stead, but would still be only a low-end streaming option for fantasy.

11 hours ago

Jayden Daniels • QB • Commanders

Jayden Daniels Limited in Wednesday's Practice

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) was listed as a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, according to Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post. Daniels is back at practice after dislocating his left (non-throwing) elbow back in Week 9, but he has yet to be cleared for contact and is up in the air to return on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 14. The Commanders plan on waiting until Friday to re-evaluate the 24-year-old second-year signal-caller. There's a chance that Daniels will be able to return in Minnesota, but the Commanders will probably play it extra safe with their franchise QB, and he'll likely need to upgrade to a full practice before the week is over to have a realistic shot of playing. Washington won't be afraid to give Marcus Mariota his seventh start of the year if they are on the fence about Daniels' status.

Yesterday

Jayden Daniels • QB • Commanders

Jayden Daniels to Get Plenty of Reps on Wednesday, Still Up in the Air

Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said that quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) will get a lot of reps in practice on Wednesday, but the team will re-evaluate him on Friday after he's had a full week of practice, per John Keim of ESPN. Daniels is getting closer to making a return, but he still hasn't been cleared for contact, and his status for Week 14 against the Minnesota Vikings will depend on how he handles the next three days. When the second-year signal-caller suffered a gruesome dislocation of his left (non-throwing) elbow back in Week 9, it seemed like he'd be lost for the season, especially considering the Commanders' record. However, the 24-year-old avoided any broken bones or ligament damage, and he's pushing to return this year. The Commanders will play this one very cautiously, so it wouldn't be a surprise to see Marcus Mariota get one more start this weekend after a strong performance against one of the league's best defenses in a near upset over the Broncos in Week 13.

Yesterday

Zach Ertz • TE • Commanders

Zach Ertz Emerging as a More Consistent Producer in Washington

Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz had a monster game in Week 13, recording 10 catches for 106 yards on 13 targets against the Denver Broncos. The 35-year-old has been a stable producer in recent weeks, recording at least four catches and 42 receiving yards in each of his last four games. Perhaps most importantly for Ertz's production upside, Washington could be getting quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) back from injury in the coming weeks, possibly even as soon as Week 14 against the Minnesota Vikings. Across 23 career games where Ertz has shared the field with Daniels, he's recorded 11 touchdown catches. While Ertz's fantasy value still mostly comes from his stable floor, his touchdown upside skyrockets with Daniels on the field. Ertz could establish himself as a consistent low-end starting fantasy tight end if Daniels does indeed return in early December.

Yesterday

Chris Rodriguez Jr. • RB • Commanders

Chris Rodriguez Jr. Emerging as Washington's Lead Back

Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. has taken over the RB1 duties in Washington. Despite the preseason hype that surrounded seventh-round rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Rodriguez has been the RB1 as of late, totaling 201 rushing yards and three touchdowns in his last four games. Rodriguez played 44% of the snaps in their past two games, with receiving back Jeremy McNichols playing 35%, while Croskey-Merritt played just 20%. With the return of Jayden Daniels imminent, the Commanders' offense could be explosive down the stretch, which means good things are coming for the third-year back from Kentucky. In 2024, Daniels led the Commanders to the fifth-ranked scoring offense and an NFC Championship appearance. If Daniels returns, Rodriguez should have more scoring opportunities and can make an impact in the fantasy playoffs.

Yesterday

Marcus Mariota • QB • Commanders

Marcus Mariota in Line to Make Another Start?

Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota has played great while filling in for an injured Jayden Daniels (elbow). Mariota and the Commanders nearly pulled off the upset against the Denver Broncos in Week 13, with Mariota completing 28 of 50 passes for 294 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception while adding 10 carries for 55 yards on the ground. It was a valiant effort against one of the top defenses in the league that continued a trend of the 32-year-old signal-caller playing well. Daniels reportedly has a chance to return in Week 14 against the Minnesota Vikings, but he has not yet been cleared for contact. More will be known about Daniels' status in practice this week, but if he needs more time, Mariota would be in line to make his seventh start of the season and would profile as a strong streaming option again versus the Vikings.

Yesterday

Treylon Burks • WR • Commanders

Treylon Burks Emerging as Potential Fantasy Option?

Washington Commanders wide receiver Treylon Burks returned in Week 13 against the Denver Broncos and delivered one of the highlight catches of the season. Burks hauled in a twisting, one-handed catch for a five-yard touchdown with the same hand that he had surgery on just two weeks ago, which forced him to miss Week 11 against the Miami Dolphins. It ended up being the 25-year-old's only reception of the night on four targets, but it was a memorable one. Burks played a season-high 65.6% of the snaps against Denver and has made an impact in the three games he's played for the Commanders, recording five catches for 77 yards and a touchdown on eight targets. The former first-round pick in 2022 should continue to see his opportunities increase as he settles into the offense, but with top wideout Terry McLaurin back from injury, Burks still has more to prove before being considered as a legitimate fantasy football option.

2 days ago

Zach Ertz • TE • Commanders

Zach Ertz Trending Upwards Heading into Week 14

Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz had a huge game in Week 13, recording 10 catches for 106 yards on 13 targets in an overtime loss to the Denver Broncos. Across 12 games this season, the 35-year-old has hauled in 49 catches for 493 yards and four touchdowns on 70 targets. It's worth noting that Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota attempted 50 passes in Week 13, a level of pass volume that is highly unlikely to repeat in future weeks. However, Washington could be getting quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) back as soon as Week 14, which would be a boost for Ertz. All four of Ertz's four touchdown receptions this season have come in the six games Daniels has been healthy for. The Commanders will face the Minnesota Vikings in Week 14. In leagues where he is available on the waiver wire, Ertz could be a solid streaming option for fantasy managers to target at the tight end position.

3 days ago

Jayden Daniels • QB • Commanders

Jayden Daniels Not Cleared for Contact, Decision on Week 14 Status Delayed

Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said on Monday that quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) has not been cleared for contact, and he does not expect to make a final decision on the QB's Week 14 status until Friday, according to Tashan Reed of The Washington Post. Quinn added that Daniels is going through "functional movements" this week as the next step for his return to action following a gruesome dislocation of his left (non-throwing) elbow in Week 9. The second-year signal-caller has a chance to return in Week 14 against the Minnesota Vikings, but his status still seems very much up in the air, and with the Commanders well out of the playoff picture, it doesn't make sense for the organization to rush their franchise QB back. We'll have a better idea of Daniels' Week 14 status later this week, but we wouldn't be surprised if Marcus Mariota makes another start this weekend.

3 days ago

Chris Rodriguez Jr. • RB • Commanders

Chris Rodriguez Jr. Continues to Showcase his Flex Appeal, Must-Add off Waivers

Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. continued to lead the Commanders in running back touches in Week 13's 27-26 loss to the Denver Broncos with 11 carries. Backfield mates Jeremy McNichols had six, and Jacory Croskey-Merritt only had four. Rodriguez has clearly cemented himself as the running back to own in this Commanders backfield, as over the last two games, he has earned 26 carries, rushed for 120 yards, and scored two touchdowns on the ground. Moving forward, not only is he the only Commander running back that can be started in fantasy football, but he can confidently be started as an RB3 or flex play in deeper leagues. As we take a look at the next few weeks, Rodriguez gets matchups with the Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants, and Dallas Cowboys in three of the next four weeks, all matchups that are far better than what he faced on Sunday Night Football against the Broncos, in which he still scored over 10 fantasy points. Rodriguez is a must-add off the waiver wire and can be plugged into lineups if you have players who are going on a bye in Week 14 or are dealing with multiple injuries in your lineups.

3 days ago

Terry McLaurin • WR • Commanders

Terry McLaurin Returns with Big Performance in Week 13 Overtime Loss

Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin has played in only five games this season due to a quad injury, but he had an outstanding game in Week 13 against the Denver Broncos. Even on limited snaps, McLaurin recorded seven receptions for 96 yards and a touchdown on a team-leading 14 targets in Washington's overtime loss. The Commanders' top wideout last played in Week 8 against the Kansas City Chiefs, where he also played limited snaps but made his presence known with three catches (four targets) for 54 yards and a touchdown. McLaurin has had an unfortunate season plagued by injuries, but he will look to close out the season on a high note. He also could be getting second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) back next week against the Minnesota Vikings.

3 days ago

Zach Ertz • TE • Commanders

Zach Ertz Leads Washington in Receiving in Overtime Loss

Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz hauled in 10 catches for 106 yards on 14 targets in Sunday night's 27-26 overtime loss to the Denver Broncos. Ertz led Washington in catches and yards in a wild game that came down to the wire. The veteran's performance against the Broncos on Sunday night marked the second game with 10+ catches and 100+ receiving yards since joining the Commanders last year, with the other being the NFC Championship against his former team in the Philadelphia Eagles. Ertz has continued to be ultra productive in his age-35 season, totaling 39 receptions for 387 yards and four touchdowns on 57 targets in 11 games this season.

3 days ago

Marcus Mariota • QB • Commanders

Marcus Mariota Throws Two Touchdowns in Overtime Loss

Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota completed 28 of 50 passes for 294 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception while adding 10 carries for 55 yards in a 27-26 overtime loss to the Denver Broncos. Mariota attempted a career-high 50 passes as Washington ran 85 total plays in the game and played well for the most part. The veteran connected with Treylon Burks for a five-yard touchdown on an unbelievable one-handed catch in the third quarter, then found Terry McLaurin for a three-yard touchdown in overtime to bring Washington within one point of the Broncos, but they ultimately failed the two-point conversion to win the game. Still, it was an encouraging outing for Mariota and the Washington offense against an elite Denver defense. Mariota could make another start next week against the Minnesota Vikings if Jayden Daniels (elbow) is unable to return.

3 days ago

Jayden Daniels • QB • Commanders

Jayden Daniels has a Chance to Return in Week 14

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) was ruled out for Week 13 against the Denver Broncos, but he has a chance to return in Week 14 against the Minnesota Vikings, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. After dislocating his left elbow in Washington's Week 9 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, Daniels was a limited participant every day in practice this week and will have an opportunity to return after missing just four games. Daniels has expressed the desire to return to action despite the Commanders' 3-8 record and after dealing with knee and hamstring injuries earlier in the year. Marcus Mariota will continue filling in as Washington's starter until Daniels is able to return.

4 days ago

Chris Rodriguez Jr. • RB • Commanders

Chris Rodriguez Jr. in Line for More Volume Moving Forward?

Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. has operated as part of a committee in recent weeks after not having a major role early in the season. The third-year back holds a narrow lead in rush attempts over rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt in the past three games, recording 33 carries for 160 yards and two touchdowns compared to Croskey-Merritt with 32 rushes for 96 yards and no touchdowns. Rodriguez is the better fit down near the goal line with his ability to fight through tackles and consistently gain positive yardage. His upside for fantasy is capped a bit by his lack of involvement in the pass game, as Jeremy McNichols has handled that role for the bulk of the season, but Rodriguez holds weekly touchdown upside and should lead Washington's backfield in carries for the remainder of the season. However, it's a tough Week 13 matchup against a Denver Broncos defense that is allowing a league-best 3.6 yards per carry this season.

4 days ago

Ben Sinnott • TE • Commanders

Ben Sinnott Off Injury Report, Set to Return in Week 13 Against Broncos

Washington Commanders tight end Ben Sinnott (ankle) heads into Sunday night's matchup against the Denver Broncos without an injury designation after missing Week 11 due to an ankle injury. Sinnott hasn't played a big role as a receiver for Washington this season as the third tight end behind Zach Ertz and John Bates, but he could see more opportunities down the stretch with the state of the Commanders' season. The 2024 second-round pick caught his first touchdown of the season the last time he played in Week 10 versus the Detroit Lions. For the season, the 23-year-old has played 28.5% of the snaps on offense with just three receptions (three targets) for 33 yards and a touchdown. Sinnott has shown promise as a blocker, but hasn't flashed much as a receiver yet. He has high-end athletic traits, but hasn't seen many opportunities with Ertz holding down the pass-catching role. Sinnott is still a solid stash in dynasty leagues and will be a player to watch down the stretch.

5 days ago

Jake Moody • K • Commanders

Jake Moody A Risky Option for Week 13 in Team Debut

Washington Commanders kicker Jake Moody is set to make his team debut in Week 13 against the Denver Broncos. Moody signed with Washington on November 18, following the team's release of Matt Gay. The 26-year-old Moody began the season with the San Francisco 49ers, but was cut after missing two field goal attempts in Week 1. Moody was then signed to the Chicago Bears practice squad and appeared in two games, making eight of nine attempts, which includes a game-winning kick against the Commanders in Week 6. Moody will hope to carry over that success in Washington and establish himself as a reliable kicker after being selected in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He is a risky option in Week 13 as Washington faces an elite defense in the Denver Broncos.

6 days ago

Zach Ertz • TE • Commanders

Zach Ertz in TE2 Territory for Tough Week 13 Matchup Against Broncos

Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz has recorded exactly four receptions in four games in a row and continues to be a solid contributor in his age-35 season. Since recording zero receptions in Week 5 against the Los Angeles Chargers for the first time in a game since 2014, Ertz has collected 25 receptions (36 targets) for 238 yards and two touchdowns. His 25 receptions are tied for the 12th most among tight ends during that span. The veteran hasn't found the end zone since Week 7 against the Dallas Cowboys, and remains a lower-ceiling fantasy option due to his lack of explosiveness, but he has a stable floor as a reliable option in Washington's passing attack. Ertz has a tough matchup in Week 13 against an elite Denver Broncos defense and ranks as RotoBaller's TE17 in PPR leagues.

6 days ago

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