Commanders Preseason: How Jayden Daniels Fared Vs. Detroit Lions

UPDATE: Quarterback Jayden Daniels started Saturday’s preseason game against the Detroit Lions, but he didn’t stick around long.

He orchestrated the opening series for the Commanders, a three-and-out where he threw an incomplete pass towards running back Kaytron Allen, got sacked after pass protection broke down and then handed the ball off.

That was the end of Daniels’ contributions to this contest, with injury risk outweighed a more extended outing.

Was that enough? Or should Daniels have played longer? Let us know in the comments below.

The Commanders have a new offensive scheme run by new coordinator David Blough, with new requirements for quarterback Jayden Daniels.

While the third-year pro has proven proficient executing this system in practice, the Commanders would like to see him work (at least a little bit) in live action.

Daniels was not on a list of 15 players ruled out of Saturday’s preseason game vs. the Detroit Lions. He will play.

Terry McLaurin, Stefon Diggs and Chig Okonkwo are also available to join Daniels on the field. It’s uncertain how long those players will go.

Daniels played two preseason games as a rookie in 2024, completing 12-of-15 passes for 128 yards and a 100.3 quarterback rating. He played just one series during the 2025 preseason, but didn’t attempt a pass.

Veteran backup quarterback Marcus Mariota suffered a sprained right MCL in the preseason opener and will miss the next two games, though he should be ready in time for Week 1 of the regular season.

That already leaves the Commanders thin at the position. Even practice reps are important for Daniels and the offense overall, so losing him for any stretch isn’t good.

Quinn said surrounding him with the right players would be key, and that rep counts would be customized for players and what they need to get out of the preseason.

Here’s the list of Commanders inactives for Saturday’s game:

• No. 1 RB Rachaad White
• No. 8 QB Marcus Mariota
• No. 26 RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt
• No. 23 CB Trey Amos
• No. 26 RB Jeremy McNichols
• No. 45 OLB K’Lavon Chaisson
• No. 58 LB Jordan Magee
• No. 67 C Nick Allegretti
• No. 78 LT Laremy Tunsil
• No. 91 DE Deatrich Wise Jr.
• No. 92 DE Dorance Armstrong
• No. 94 DT Daron Payne
• No. 95 DT Jer’Zhan Newton
• No. 97 DT Tim Settle
• No. 98 OLB Odafe Oweh