‘I know he’ll be coming through the door soon’: Jayden Daniels flashes as Commanders fall 31-17 to Bengals | NFL News
The Washington Commanders opened their preseason home slate on Aug. 18 with a 31-17 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals at Northwest Stadium. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels provided a flash of promise with a 14-yard rushing touchdown on his first drive, but the night was defined by the absence of star wide receiver Terry McLaurin, who continues to hold out for a new contract.
Jayden Daniels makes his mark in brief debut
Daniels played only one drive but made it count, leading Washington on a four-play, 74-yard march capped by his touchdown run. He didn’t attempt a pass, but explosive runs from Deebo Samuel and Chris Rodriguez Jr. set up the score.Speaking with ESPN’s Lisa Salters, Daniels stayed positive about McLaurin’s absence, saying, “I know he’ll be coming through the door soon.”Head coach Dan Quinn also downplayed concerns, pointing to McLaurin’s recent ankle recovery. The receiver was taken off the Physically Unable to Perform list earlier this month but has not returned to practice.Washington’s offense looked sharp early, with seventh-round rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt adding a 27-yard touchdown run. But backups Josh Johnson and Sam Hartman combined for just 85 passing yards and two interceptions, stalling the attack the rest of the way.
Terry McLaurin’s contract standoff overshadows progress
McLaurin, who turns 30 in September, is pushing for a deal worth more than $30 million annually. Washington has reportedly held closer to $28 million, and the gap led to McLaurin’s trade request on July 31.The three-time Pro Bowler remains the centerpiece of Washington’s passing game after posting 82 catches, 1,096 yards, and a career-high 13 touchdowns last season with Daniels under center. His absence was felt Monday, both on the field and in negotiations off it.Much like the Bengals’ own drama with star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson, who is also seeking a new deal, Washington faces a pivotal decision. Losing McLaurin would undercut Daniels’ development and the Commanders’ push to build on last year’s NFC Championship Game run.
Bengals lean on depth while Joe Burrow survives hits
Joe Burrow led two scoring drives in three series but also took a pair of concerning sacks, including a horse-collar tackle from Deatrich Wise Jr. Burrow finished 9 of 14 for 62 yards and a touchdown.Cincinnati’s depth proved decisive. Mitchell Tinsley, a former Washington receiver, caught five passes for 73 yards and two touchdowns in the first half. Rookie linebacker Barrett Carter and safety Tycen Anderson each recorded interceptions to help secure the win.The Commanders will face the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday at 12 p.m. ET in their third preseason game. Whether McLaurin is back in uniform by then remains the biggest storyline.
