Commanders hopeful Jayden Daniels will start against Chargers

Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels could return to action when the Commanders visit the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert will be operating behind a decimated offensive line as Los Angeles looks to bounce back from a 21-18 road loss to the New York Giants.

Commanders coach Dan Quinn announced Wednesday that Daniels, who missed the past two games with a left knee injury sustained in a Sept. 11 loss at Green Bay, was cleared by the team's doctors. Daniels, wearing a knee brace, was a full participant at practice on Wednesday and sounded more than ready to return.

"If you let me tell it, I would've wanted to play two weeks ago," Daniels said. "But I guess in their eyes, probably this past weekend is when I started feeling like myself."

Daniels, who grew up in San Bernardino, would be playing an NFL game in California for the first time.

Washington wide receivers Terry McLaurin (quad) and Noah Brown (groin/knee) did not practice on Wednesday. Brown missed the past two games, and McLaurin was out last week. A surprise on the injury report was wide receiver Deebo Samuel (heel), who also missed the Wednesday session, as did cornerback Mike Sainristil (knee).

If he plays on Sunday, Daniels would be facing the NFL's third-ranked defense, as the Chargers are allowing only 270 yards per game. Linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu finished the Giants game with career highs in tackles (10), solo tackles (seven), tackles for loss (five) and sacks (four).

Washington (2-2), which trails the Philadelphia Eagles (4-0) in the NFC East, split its past two games, and offense was not an issue. Backup quarterback Marcus Mariota completed a combined 31 of 48 passes for 363 yards and three touchdowns with one interception.

The Commanders' offense scored 27 points last Sunday, but the defense gave up 34 in a road loss to the Atlanta Falcons.

Washington's defense is ranked 24th in the NFL, allowing 356 yards per game, and 27th in opponents' passing, yielding 248.5 yards per game.

Atlanta picked up 24 first downs and gained 435 yards against Washington, going 6-for-12 on third down. According to Pro Football Focus, the Commanders missed 12 tackles.

"We've got to figure out what we're doing wrong and get it right," Washington defensive end Dorance Armstrong said. "ASAP."

The AFC West-leading Chargers (3-1) are also looking to bounce back but will have to do it without their best offensive lineman. Left tackle Joe Alt sustained a high ankle sprain in the first quarter on Sunday.

"Don't want to speculate on the degree, but likely not to play this week," coach Jim Harbaugh said of Alt. "We'll take it day by day. Doubtful this week, and we'll see about next week."

Los Angeles had already lost tackle Rashawn Slater to a season-ending patellar tendon tear. Guard Mekhi Becton (concussion protocol) was limited on Wednesday.

The Chargers signed tackle Foster Sarell to the active roster. He made three starts across 36 games with the team from 2022-25.

Herbert was hit 12 times, sacked twice and intercepted twice against the Giants. He has been sacked 12 times through four games, tied for fifth most in the NFL.

Looking ahead to opposing the Commanders, Herbert said, "They're a really veteran group and they're really well-coached and hardly ever are they out of position. They've got a lot of talented guys, a lot of guys who have been playing in some really big football games."

Los Angeles will look to improve its discipline after committing 14 penalties for 107 yards against the Giants.

Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen needs two catches to reach 1,000 for his career.

The Commanders lead the all-time series 7-5. The visiting Chargers won the most recent meeting 20-16 in 2021.