Radio Host Says Jayden Daniels Had Knee Scan After Commanders' Loss to Packers
Grant Paulsen reported the Washington quarterback was evaluated after limping; the team has not confirmed an injury
A Washington radio host said Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels underwent imaging on his knee the morning after Washington's 27-18 loss to the Green Bay Packers, raising immediate concern about the second-year starter’s health heading into the regular season.
Grant Paulsen, a Washington-area radio host, told listeners Friday that Daniels "got looked at this morning" after being seen limping following a hard hit during Thursday Night Football. Paulsen said several players were receiving evaluations and that Daniels was among those getting imaging on the knee.
Daniels completed 24 passes for 200 yards and two touchdowns in the loss, but he appeared less mobile than in previous games. He was sacked four times and rushed for 17 yards, and television replays showed him leaving the field favoring his leg. Paulsen said he had heard that an MRI or other imaging was performed, but provided no medical details.
The Commanders did not immediately confirm that Daniels had undergone a scan or disclose any injury information. He was not listed on the team’s injury report as of the team’s first public update after the game. Team officials typically disclose injury details and imaging results through official injury reports or press statements.
If Daniels were to miss time, Washington’s depth chart lists veteran Marcus Mariota as the primary backup. Third-string quarterback Josh Johnson is currently listed as injured, which would likely prompt the Commanders to promote practice-squad quarterback Sam Hartman to the active roster if an additional option is needed.
The development adds uncertainty to Washington’s early-season outlook. Daniels, in his second NFL season, was viewed as a central figure in the Commanders’ plans to compete in the NFC, and his mobility has been a notable part of his game. Loss of a starting quarterback for any stretch typically forces schematic adjustments and can affect short-term results.
The team is scheduled to practice this week and will provide further updates through its standard channels. The Commanders have until the league-mandated reporting times to list injured players before their next game, and any official findings from imaging would normally be disclosed in subsequent injury reports or coach and player interviews.
Paulsen’s account remains the primary public report of the evaluation; the team has not corroborated his statements as of this writing. The Commanders and the NFL did not immediately respond to requests for comment.