ASHBURN, Va. (AP) — The biggest question for both the Commanders and the Raiders entering their game Sunday is, quite simply: Will Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels play?

Daniels is the reigning AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and led the Commanders to a surprising 12-5 record a year ago, followed by a trip to the NFC title game. He is the engine that makes their offense go. He is one of the league’s most dynamic players, a skilled passer and runner.

He’s also been dealing with a knee injury that kept him out of practice this week and left his status unclear as of Thursday.

“I’m always talking to Jayden and just encouraging him to, first of all, just take care of himself and know it’s a long season,” wide receiver Terry McLaurin said. “But at the end of the day, we know he’s a competitor, and if any of us are in that situation, we want to be out here and help the team and be able to play.”

If Daniels is unable to go — or if coach Dan Quinn decides it’s best not to risk his best player’s health in Week 3 — then backup Marcus Mariota would get his first NFL start since 2022, when he played for the Atlanta Falcons.

“It’s not going to be exactly the same. But they’re both really big, dual-threat guys that can make big plays. And you have to be ready for whoever that is going to be,” said Maxx Crosby, the Raiders’ star defender. “We’re preparing as if Jayden’s going to play. And then we’ll see what happens. But we’ll be ready for both.”

Both of these clubs are 1-1, and both took similar routes to get there: a victory against a mediocre-to-bad opponent in the season opener, followed by a loss against an elite opponent last week (the New York Giants, then Green Bay Packers, for Washington; the New England Patriots, then Los Angeles Chargers, for Las Vegas).

“Last week, it was: ‘We’re going to Super Bowl!’ This week: ‘Everybody’s the worst player on the planet!'” Crosby joked.

‘Bill’ gets a chance to start for Washington with Ekeler out for the season

Daniels was hardly the only key player for the Commanders to get hurt in Week 2 — and the offense was hit particularly hard. Starting running back Austin Ekeler is done for the season, and wide receiver Noah Brown (groin) and tight end John Bates (groin) missed practice time this week.