The Washington Commanders kicked off their practice week with a mix of optimism and caution, as head coach Dan Quinn provided a detailed injury rundown ahead of their upcoming matchup. While some key players are trending in the right direction, others remain question marks as the team navigates a critical stretch of the season.
Jayden Daniels Still Not Cleared for Contact
Let’s start with rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. He’s still not cleared for contact as he works his way back from a dislocated left elbow-an injury that’s already sidelined him for the past three games.
Daniels is practicing in a limited capacity, but unless he gets full clearance this week, he’s expected to miss another start. The Commanders are clearly being cautious with their young signal-caller, and rightfully so.
Elbow injuries can be tricky, especially for a quarterback whose game relies heavily on timing and touch. The team is giving him every opportunity to stay engaged in practice, but until he’s cleared for full participation, the wait continues.
Drake Jackson’s Clock Is Ticking
Defensive end Drake Jackson remains on injured reserve, and his situation is becoming more complicated. He’s been out since 2023 with a patellar tendon injury, and now he’s also dealing with a new groin issue that popped up late last week.
The Commanders opened his 21-day practice window while the team was overseas in Spain, but that window is closing fast. Dan Quinn mentioned the need for Jackson to get back into football shape, but after such a long layoff, that may not happen until the offseason.
If he’s going to see the field this year, time is running out.
Bobby Wagner Sidelined with Knee Issue
Veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner didn’t practice today, and he’s now listed with a new knee injury. There’s no word yet on the severity, but any time a player with Wagner’s mileage shows up on the injury report, it’s worth monitoring. His leadership and experience are invaluable to this defense, and the Commanders will be hoping this is more of a precautionary move than a long-term concern.
Frankie Luvu Limited Again
Linebacker Frankie Luvu continues to gut it out despite a shoulder injury he sustained in Week 10 against the Lions. He’s been listed on the report ever since but hasn’t missed a game.
Once again, he was limited in practice today. Luvu’s toughness is evident-he’s been playing through pain-but the coaching staff will likely keep a close eye on his reps to ensure he’s ready come game day.
Noah Brown Trending Toward Return
Wide receiver Noah Brown is one of the brighter notes on the injury front. He’s been on injured reserve since Week 2 after suffering a groin injury against the Packers, but things are looking up.
Brown was a full participant in today’s practice and even logged a full session last Thursday. Dan Quinn sounded optimistic about activating him this week, and if all goes well, Brown could be back in the lineup on Sunday.
That would be a welcome boost to a receiving corps that’s been in flux.
Tyler Ott Back in Action
Long snapper Tyler Ott missed the Broncos game with a back injury, but he’s back to full participation in practice. The Commanders had brought in Zach Triner from the practice squad to handle snapping duties last week, but he’s since been released. That suggests Ott is ready to go and should be back handling special teams duties against the Vikings.
Veteran Rest Days and Notables
A few seasoned vets were given the day off for rest, including tight end Zach Ertz, outside linebacker Von Miller, and left tackle Laremy Tunsil. These are standard rest days for players with heavy mileage, and there’s no indication of any injury concern.
Meanwhile, wide receiver Terry McLaurin, who had been dealing with a quad injury, appears to be in the clear. He returned to action against the Broncos and wasn’t listed with any injury designation today. That’s great news for the offense, which continues to lean on McLaurin as a key playmaker.
Injury Report Summary
Did Not Practice (DNP):
- DE Drake Jackson - Still working back from patellar tendon injury; now also listed with a groin injury.
- LB Bobby Wagner - New knee injury.
Limited Participation:
- QB Jayden Daniels - Not yet cleared for contact (elbow).
- LB Frankie Luvu - Managing a shoulder injury from Week 10.
Full Participation:
- WR Noah Brown - On track to return from IR (groin).
- LS Tyler Ott - Back from a back injury.
Veteran Rest Days:
- TE Zach Ertz
- OLB Von Miller
- LT Laremy Tunsil
No Injury Designation:
- WR Terry McLaurin - Returned from quad injury, full go.
As the Commanders prepare for their next test, the injury situation is a mixed bag. They’re getting healthier in some key areas, but a few lingering issues-particularly at quarterback and linebacker-could impact the game plan. All eyes will be on the practice field this week to see who’s trending up and who might be sidelined come Sunday.