Commanders Injury Updates, Leadership Praise, and Confidence Ahead of Raiders Clash

Head coach Dan Quinn opened his Friday press conference by naming the Washington Commanders Week 3 gameday captains and sharing big news for fans. He highlighted tackle Laremy Tunsil for his leadership and consistency on offense, defensive tackle Daron Payne for his focused work since spring, and safety Percy Butler for his relentless impact on special teams. Quinn called Butler “an absolute badass” for his energy on and off the field, underscoring the respect these three captains command in the locker room.

RFK Stadium News

Quinn also congratulated managing partner Josh Harris and team president Mark Clouse on the RFK Stadium redevelopment progress, calling it “big news for the fans and the city.” He said the development reflects the effort of many people working hard to give Washington supporters a venue and future they can rally around. The announcement added excitement to an already high-stakes week, as Washington looks to rebound from its Week 2 loss to Green Bay and protect its home field advantage against Las Vegas.

The coach reinforced that his team has shown resilience since training camp, stating, “Two tough teams ready to go fight and battle for it. Right attitude, right mindset, we’re a resilient group. That’s what I felt from the beginning.” Quinn’s message set a determined tone ahead of the Week 3 matchup.

Jayden Daniels Injury Decision and Team Readiness

Quinn provided clarity on quarterback Jayden Daniels’ status, revealing that Marcus Mariota will start against the Raiders. Daniels participated in speed work and throwing during practice but has not fully cleared all return-to-play benchmarks. “We’re going to be smart, not just fast,” Quinn said, explaining that the decision was about protecting Daniels and the team. He praised Daniels’ competitive spirit, noting that the second-year quarterback was eager to play but trusted the coaching staff’s judgment.

When asked if sitting Daniels was difficult, Quinn said the choice was straightforward. “I think just trust your eyes when you know it’s ready to go. We’re not going to do this in a fast way. We’re going to do it in a smart way and make the right decisions.” Quinn compared the decision to past experiences, recalling when he had to hold out Matt Ryan during his time with Atlanta. “Sometimes you have to protect players from themselves,” he added.

Quinn expressed full confidence in Mariota, crediting their time together over the past two seasons for the veteran’s understanding of the offense. He also praised defensive end Dorance Armstrong’s versatility, citing how Von Miller’s mentorship has elevated the unit. Quinn said the team’s depth and flexibility on defense will be crucial in matching up against Las Vegas’ strong offensive weapons, including Brock Bowers and a balanced backfield.

The coach applauded running backs Chris Rodriguez Jr. and Jeremy McNichols for their preparation, calling McNichols “a pro’s pro” and Rodriguez a back “chomping at the bit to get going.” Quinn also encouraged rookie tackle Josh Conerly Jr. to embrace tough matchups early in his career, describing adversity as a key part of growth.

Quinn closed by reaffirming his belief in the team’s readiness: “If I had three words for this team, resilient AF. These guys really care, they want to fight for it, and that’s all that counts.” His confident tone made clear that Washington intends to bounce back strong in front of its home fans.

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