Jayden Daniels returned to practice this week for the Washington Commanders and logged a full session. The return brings plenty of anticipation. The team believes he will play when Washington hosts divisional rival New York Giants at Northwest Stadium. His availability could matter a lot to anyone using Virginia sports betting apps to wager on this week’s game. The Commanders opened as three-point home favorites and are currently at -170 at DraftKings Sportsbook.
Full Reps and a Good Look
Daniels was listed as a full participant Wednesday, throwing the ball and taking his normal reps with the offense. Head coach Dan Quinn set the goal early in the week: a full week of practice, then a Sunday start. Offensive coordinator David Blough backed that up Thursday, saying Daniels is “full go.” Daniels will wear a brace on his left elbow and has chosen not to have surgery. He has said he plans to “embrace the brace.” Practice is not a game, but this is the clearest sign yet that he is on track to play. Anyone checking Virginia Sports Betting apps should still watch Friday’s final injury report.
How Washington Got Here
Daniels dislocated his non-throwing left elbow in Week 2 against the Dallas Cowboys. He missed back-to-back games. He was limited in practice every day last week, but the team played it cautiously and ruled him out for Week 4 in London. Backup Marcus Mariota then left that game with a knee injury, which forced rookie Athan Kaliakmanis into action. He threw his first NFL touchdown, but the Commanders fell 30-13 to the Indianapolis Colts and dropped to 1-3.
Injuries have followed Daniels into his third season. He dislocated the same elbow last November against the Seattle Seahawks and missed three games. He also dealt with knee and hamstring problems in 2025 and appeared in only six games through Week 14. The team has been careful, and with good reason.
Why His Return Changes Things
The Giants lead the division at 3-1 after a 36-24 win over the Arizona Cardinals, and they are chasing their first 4-1 start since 2022. Washington knows this opponent well. A healthy Daniels led the Commanders past New York in last year’s opener. The Giants had no answer for his mix of accuracy and mobility, and the oddsmakers clearly remember it. Bettors on betting apps in Virginia will see that the market treats Washington as a much stronger team with Daniels in the lineup.
The stakes are simple. A win moves the Commanders to 2-3 and cuts the gap behind New York to one game. That puts them back in the division race instead of staring at a 1-4 hole. A loss would make the climb much steeper. Everyone connected to this team, along with those following the line on Virginia Sports Betting apps, will hope Daniels stays healthy through Sunday.
