The Commanders will be without rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels this Sunday, officially ruling him out after he aggravated a left elbow injury during last week’s shutout loss to the Vikings. It’s a tough blow for a team already searching for answers on offense, and now they’ll turn to veteran Marcus Mariota to steer the ship against the Giants.
But Mariota might be working with a short deck. Running back Chris Rodriguez and wide receiver Deebo Samuel are both listed as questionable, putting even more pressure on a Commanders offense that’s struggled to find consistency.
Rodriguez has quietly become a key piece in Washington’s backfield over the past month. He’s led the team in rushing yards (253) and rushing touchdowns (three) over the last five games, showing a physical, downhill style that’s brought some much-needed punch to the ground game. But a groin injury held him out of Wednesday’s practice, and while he was able to get in limited work on Thursday and Friday, his status remains up in the air.
If Rodriguez can’t go, the Commanders will have to lean on a trio of backs in Jeremy McNichols, Jacory Croskey-Merritt, and Chase Edmonds. None of the three has seen significant touches this season, so this would be a true committee approach - and a test of Washington’s depth at a critical position.
As for Samuel, his name popped up on the injury report late in the week with an illness that kept him out of Friday’s practice. That’s not ideal timing for a player who brings explosive potential to the offense, especially with a backup quarterback under center. Whether he suits up or not could have a big impact on how aggressive the Commanders can be through the air.
Defensively, Washington will also be down a couple of key contributors. Cornerback Jonathan Jones is out with a rib injury, and defensive end Drake Jackson won’t play due to a combination of groin and knee issues. That’s another hit to a defense that’s been under pressure all season and now faces a divisional opponent looking to capitalize.
Injuries are stacking up at the wrong time for the Commanders, and with a divisional matchup on deck, the margin for error just got even thinner. If they’re going to keep pace, they’ll need Mariota to manage the game, the defense to step up, and some unsung heroes to emerge - fast.