The Washington Commanders look to snap a seven-game losing streak on Sunday when they travel to Minnesota to face a struggling Vikings squad. Minnesota (4-8) has lost four games in a row and is only one game better than the Commanders (3-9).
These two teams have some similarities heading into Week 14. Both overachieved in 2024, with Washington having its best season in 33 years, winning 12 games and advancing to the NFC Championship Game. The Vikings, behind a resurgent season from veteran journeyman quarterback Sam Bradford, went 14-3, but lost in the NFC Wild Card round.
Something else in common: both teams spent a top-10 pick on a quarterback in the 2024 NFL draft. While Jayden Daniels had one of the greatest rookie seasons in NFL history last year, J.J. McCarthy missed his rookie season due to a knee injury.
The 2024 season hasn’t gone as planned for Daniels. Thanks to some tough luck, Daniels has missed six games due to injuries. Meanwhile, McCarthy began the season as Minnesota’s starting quarterback but has also missed six games, including last week, due to a concussion.
On Sunday, there’s a chance we could see both second-year quarterbacks in the starting lineup.
The Commanders have targeted Week 14 as a potential return date for Daniels. However, he needed to be cleared for contact after suffering a dislocated elbow in Week 9. His status will likely be determined on Washington’s final practice on Friday.
McCarthy, who missed five games earlier this season due to an ankle injury, missed last week’s game because of the concussion. This week, McCarthy cleared concussion protocol and is heading toward a return on Sunday against the Commanders.
J.J. McCarthy practiced fully today for a second straight day, indicating he will start Sunday for the Vikings against the Commanders
— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) December 4, 2025
So, on Sunday, we could see the No. 2 overall pick (Daniels) on the field against the No. 10 overall pick (McCarthy) from last year’s draft. This season has been a struggle for both. For McCarthy, the injuries have been an issue, but he’s also struggled. For Daniels, even when he’s healthy, his teammates aren’t.
Both teams could use a win. For the Commanders, if Daniels plays, it would be the first time all year that the starting quarterback, top three wide receivers and the entire starting offensive line have been on the field together.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Could we see Jayden Daniels vs. J.J. McCarthy?
