Jayden Daniels wasn’t given anything last summer. He worked for it, every rep, every snap, every raising-of-an-eyebrow play. From the dog days of camp through the final preseason whistle, Daniels outworked other QBs in what Dan Quinn now refers to as the defining “theme of competition.” One year later, the rookie-turned-franchise QB is again at the center of a quarterback room in transition, albeit with the dynamics changing for very different reasons.
As per reports based on August 6, Quinn confirmed Marcus Mariota will be out for 7–10 days with what the team views as an inconsequential injury. “The concern level is low,” he said, providing no particular information but indicating the veteran backup should return before the regular season gets underway. With Mariota out, however, Daniels now carries an oversized share of the practice load. A process that pushes Washington’s offensive install and reveals the thin quarterback depth behind him.
Dan Quinn on Marcus Mariota missing time – “The concern level is low.” Says it could be 7-10 days for the vet backup QB
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) August 6, 2025
The problem isn’t quantity, it’s balance. Washington’s coaching staff must now defend its franchise player while still promoting competition with limited players. “We just want to make competition the central theme,” Quinn stated again at the recent press conference. “Similar to quarterback a year ago with Jayden and Marcus (Mariota) and tackle with Brandon (Coleman) and Luke (Cornelius Lucas)… that’s part of who we are.” But this week, under center, it’s difficult to maintain that merit-based atmosphere. Without Mariota getting second-team reps, Daniels gets overexposed, and the offense beyond him is disadvantaged by the absence of rotational continuity.
This season, Daniels may not be able to afford to slow-boost. And with no obvious backup plans now cemented, the club might be forced to look into short-term insurance at the position if Mariota’s comeback is delayed. Veteran depth on the board is still sparse, but alternatives might provide emergency seasoning without long-term commitment.
The greatest issue at present isn’t Daniels’ ability; it’s overuse. Workloads at training camp are usually divided to maintain arm health. But with the Commanders short on a healthy No. 2 quarterback while Mariota heals. Daniels has been forced to absorb an exponentially higher volume of snaps in walkthroughs, install sessions, and situation drills. It’s a workload that has caused alarm internally, not because Daniels can’t get the job done. But because the team understands how critical he is to their 2025 picture. One unfortunate twist or a fatigue-fueled blunder might spoil all Washington is attempting to construct under Dan Quinn.
There’s also the unseen cost: developmental reps for the remainder of the offense. From receivers battling for a roster position to backup linemen who require live looks, not being able to rotate at quarterback has a trickle-down effect. And if Daniels is too strained to provide clean reps, it slows down the evaluation process for everyone.
Drake Maye gains ground on Jayden Daniels in joint practice
Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels will forever carry the weight of comparison, linked by draft fate and quarterback expectations. Drafted back-to-back in the 2024 NFL Draft, No. 3 and No. 2 overall, respectively, their careers will inevitably be measured against one another. On Wednesday, the two young quarterbacks exchanged pleasantries briefly at joint practices between the Commanders and Patriots.
With Maye lavishing praise on Daniels’ breakout rookie season that culminated in a deep playoff run. “What a year he had,” Maye said. “You always think about your draft class, and yeah, I’d like to keep up with those guys.” Their conversation was friendly, but the on-field competition hinted at an emerging rivalry. One that may be closer than expected.
NFL, American Football Herren, USA 2024: Jets vs Patriots OCT 27 October 27, 2024: New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye 10 runs the ball against the New York Jets during the first half at Gillette Stadium, in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Eric Canha/CSM/Sipa USA Credit Image: Eric Canha/Cal Media/Sipa USA Foxborough Gillette Stadium Massachusetts USA NOxUSExINxGERMANY PUBLICATIONxINxALGxARGxAUTxBRNxBRAxCANxCHIxCHNxCOLxECUxEGYxGRExINDxIRIxIRQxISRxJORxKUWxLIBxLBAxMLTxMEXxMARxOMAxPERxQATxKSAxSUIxSYRxTUNxTURxUAExUKxVENxYEMxONLY Copyright: xCalxSportxMediax Editorial use only
Daniels, coming off a Rookie of the Year caliber season, looked sharp in rhythm throws and quick-game decisions, consistently getting the ball out fast during team drills. But Maye might have had the more impressive performance. The Patriots’ QB went 14 for 19, displaying authority and poise in driving the ball downfield. He slung darts into tight coverage. And a jaw-dropping on-the-run shot to the back of the end zone. Despite a few drops and a tipped pick, Maye’s session was notable for its aggression and composure traits, which are increasingly manifesting themselves in his camp work.
The day provided a glimpse into both quarterbacks’ trajectories, albeit a small one. Daniels continues refining his decision-making and shines at evading big hits. Something Mike Vrabel was effusive about prior to practice. Maye flexed the full extent of his arm skill and anticipation. The Patriots designed a buffet of situational reps, from red zone to hurry-up drives, and Maye took the call. While Daniels is still the more established pro at the moment. Wednesday’s practice indicates Maye is narrowing the gap. In a league where quarterback comparisons are a daily refrain, it was one of those days that will be remembered over and again if their paths continue to cross.
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