Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels suffered a sprained left knee in the Week 2 game against the Green Bay Packers. He sat out the next two games to recover. Leading up to the Week 5 game against the Los Angeles Chargers, he practiced fully and got the green light to start.
Still, some fans voiced worries that Daniels might be coming back too quickly, likening his situation to former Washington QB Robert Griffin III and his injury issues.
Commanders Fans Fear Jayden Daniels Is Returning Too Soon From His Knee Injury
Commanders fans are expressing worries about Daniels’ return due to observations of him wearing a knee brace during practice and perceived signs of favoring his injured knee. These concerns stem from the team’s history with RGIII, whose knee injury in 2012 and subsequent rushed return in 2013 are seen as a cautionary tale.
Fans worry that pushing Daniels, who currently holds currently holds a 63.6 QB Impact Score in PFSN’s QBi metric ranking 31st overall this season, back into action prematurely could risk long-term damage to his knee, similar to how RGIII’s career was impacted after he played through a torn ACL and LCL.
One fan wrote, “That knee isn’t right.” The Commanders’ franchise has a history of quarterbacks with injuries, so many are leaning towards caution.
That knee isn’t right. https://t.co/eJd16hJD1g
— Shaq (@ShaqMitchell) October 4, 2025
Another user made a direct comparison to the franchise’s past struggles, “RG3 all over again.” While Griffin looked explosive his rookie year, after his injury, he never really returned to form.
RG3 all over again
— Shaq (@ShaqMitchell) October 4, 2025
One more fan echoed that sentiment, urging caution, “Don’t RGIII this man!”
Don’t RGIII this man!
— Pistol Meat Maravich (@MorrisChestbutt) October 5, 2025
In addition to an extensive injury history, the Commanders also have a questionable relationship with the rehab of players. While Daniels might feel he is ready, part of this decision was greenlit by Washington’s staff.
Fans and Family Defending Daniels’ Recovery
Not all shared the same concerns. Several fans, along with Daniels’ own family, countered the criticism, stressing that the quarterback was cleared by medical professionals and that looks can be deceiving.
Daniels’ mother stepped in to calm the speculation, writing, “Guys relax. He’s fine.”
Guys relax. He’s fine . https://t.co/jS3zuIOetb
— Mz Jackson (@LovelyMzJackson) October 4, 2025
One fan defended the medical team, saying, “He was medically cleared by a professional are you ok? Put the phone down a bit.”
He was medically cleared by a professional are you ok? Put the phone down a bit
— 𝑀𝒾𝓉𝒸𝒽 ♱ (@heirmitch) October 4, 2025
Another user offered a more detailed explanation, countering the “rushing back” narrative:
He’s been cleared by Medical Staff. Full Prac all Wk. The brace is an annoying inconvenience, and heavy which is why it doesn’t look natural has nothing to do with the knee. RG3 had two ACL tears in college. This is not remotely the same situation. He could’ve played last wk.
— Big Nel (@CrownedPrinc3) October 5, 2025
RGIII came back for the 2013 season opener but later confessed it was a mistake to push through the injury. In a 2023 interview, he mentioned that he shouldn’t have hurried back. He called playing in 2013 after his injury the “biggest regret of my career.”
This situation caused tensions within the team, which contributed to coach Mike Shanahan’s firing and sparked ongoing discussions about player safety.
Washington Commanders Start-Sit: Week 5 Fantasy Advice for Jayden Daniels, Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Deebo Samuel, Zach Ertz, and Others
Regardless, football fans will have their opportunity to see Daniels perform when the Commanders kick off against the Chargers in Los Angeles on Sunday. The game is scheduled to begin at 4:25 p.m. ET on certain FOX stations.
