Positive Injury Updates for Commanders’ Key Stars
Washington Commanders fans have reason to be optimistic after Head Coach Dan Quinn delivered a wave of encouraging injury updates on Monday. The most significant news centers on second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels, who has missed the last two games with a knee injury. Daniels practiced strongly on Saturday, and Quinn said the team will carefully manage his workload this week to determine if he can start Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers.
“Jayden had a strong workout here Saturday,” Quinn said. “We will take today and tomorrow and work out his practice plan. We will go through the whole process with him this week, medically, how he feels, how he practices, and give you the updates Wednesday as I know them.”
The Commanders have split their last two games without Daniels, sitting at 2-2 on the season. His potential return could bring stability and a spark to the offense as Washington looks to bounce back after Sunday’s tough loss in Atlanta. The former Heisman Trophy winners dual-threat ability could energize the locker room, and the possibility of him taking snaps against the Chargers marks a major boost.
Key Playmakers Trending Upward
The good news does not stop at quarterback. Wide receiver Terry McLaurin, a cornerstone of Washington’s passing attack, is moving in the right direction after missing time. Quinn also shared that wide receiver Noah Brown and tight end John Bates are progressing well.
“I would say we are all trending in the right space on there,” Quinn noted. “We will have a better update on Wednesday in terms of practice planning and that, but arrows are heading up for a number of the guys.”
Getting McLaurin back would immediately open up Washington’s offense, while Brown and Bates could provide much-needed depth. Bates offers value in both blocking and as a short-yardage option, while Brown’s size and route running can complement McLaurin’s and Deebo Samuel Sr‘s explosiveness.
On the offensive line, guard Sam Cosmi is nearing his window to return to practice. After putting in significant rehab work, Cosmi could rejoin a unit that has battled through lineup changes early in the season. “He is getting closer for sure for being in his window to begin practice,” Quinn said. “He has really put in a lot of work to begin that window. It is definitely trending in the right spot.”
The prospect of Cosmi reentering the lineup strengthens a group tasked with protecting Daniels and creating running lanes. His return would represent another step toward Washington fielding its full offensive arsenal.
Defense Stays Resilient Despite Setback
While most of the updates were positive, Quinn confirmed that defensive end Javontae Jean-Baptiste suffered a pectoral injury during Sunday’s loss to Atlanta. The injury will sideline him for an extended period, but the Commanders believe their depth across the defensive front can help them adjust.
Losing Jean-Baptiste stings, especially after the second-year former Notre Dame standout showed flashes of promise in his early snaps. Yet Washington still boasts a strong defensive rotation led by veterans and emerging players. Quinn expressed confidence that the defense will rally together and maintain its physical presence, even as it waits for healthier days ahead.
The collective injury progress, from Daniels at quarterback to McLaurin at receiver and Cosmi on the line, signals better times ahead for the Commanders. With multiple stars trending toward returns, the team is poised to enter a critical stretch with renewed strength.
As Quinn emphasized, the path back to full health is about patience and preparation. Washington may not be at 100 percent yet, but the arrow is pointing up, and the timing could not be better as the Commanders prepare for a road test against the Chargers.
Lions Sign Intriguing Former Patriots Wide Receiver/QB
The Detroit Lions are adding a unique, dual-position player to its roster.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Tuesday that the Lions are signing receiver and quarterback
The Lions may be seeking more information about their next opponent as they are scheduled to play the Baltimore Ravens on “Monday Night Football” next week.
Cunningham previously played for the Ravens and New England Patriots following a standout career at the University of Louisville.
Louisville’s Malik Cunningham Played QB Then WR
While at Louisville, Cunningham finished his career with 7,889 passing yards and 62 touchdowns, including a career-best 2,841 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2021.
He ranks second in Louisville history for rushing touchdowns by a quarterback with 38, seventh in career passing touchdowns with 62, and second in total touchdowns responsible for with 100. He is also the only Cardinals quarterback ever to record nine completions of 75 yards or more.
After the 2023 NFL Draft, Cunningham signed with the Patriots as an undrafted free agent. He spent time on the practice squad before being promoted to the active roster in October 2023.
In December 2023, Baltimore signed Cunningham off the Patriots’ practice squad. During the 2024 offseason, Cunningham transitioned from quarterback to wide receiver.
“At first, I looked at it as like, ‘Dang man, I want to be a quarterback,'” Cunningham said at the time. “But at the same time, you have to do what’s best for the team and that’s how I looked at it. I was like, ‘Hey, I can make plays for the quarterbacks out there when I get the ball in space.’ So I looked at it as a plus, not as a fail.
“I believe in myself and my ability. Yeah, I can play quarterback. But that’s now what they need me to do right now. They need me to do something else. I’m the type of guy, whatever it takes for the team to win.”
Lions Offense is Clicking But Still Underdog Against Ravens
Cunningham, who has long looked up to Lamar Jackson, will now have to provide intel on the mobile quarterback for the Week 3 matchup.
After a disappointing Week 1 loss to the Green Bay Packers, 27-13, the Lions bounced back in dominant fashion, routing the Chicago Bears 52-21.
Even after their Week 2 blowout, the Lions are still heavy underdogs in this matchup—largely because the Ravens have been explosive on offense, scoring at least 40 points in each of their first two games.
Matt Johnson of Sportsnaut wrote a prediction for this game:
“Easily our favorite game on the NFL schedule for Week 3 is the Monday Night Football bout between the Detroit Lions and Baltimore Ravens,” he wrote. “We’re expecting plenty of fireworks. Baltimore’s defense isn’t quite as adept at stopping the run this season, which opens the door for David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs to set up the play-action for Jared Goff. However, there’s equal reason to be suspicious of Detroit’s ability to contain Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry. In what should be one of the best Monday Night Football games in 2025, Jackson engineers a game-winning drive that sets up Ravens rookie kicker Tyler Loop for the game-winning kick.”
