WASHINGTON — The Washington Commanders are looking to set the tone on the field after an off-season full of changes. You'll be able to watch every snap of the first two games of the new era on WUSA9 and streaming on WUSA9.com.
The Commanders will step into MetLife Stadium to take on the New York Jets Saturday at noon. They take the field with new ownership, a new head coach and coaching staff, a new face of the franchise in quarterback Jayden Daniels, and a few other new players — like Bobby Wagner and Austin Ekeler — wearing burgundy and gold for the first time.
During training camp leading up to the preseason, players have been working hard to be ready for their first test against the Jets. All eyes will seemingly be on Daniels, who will start the game. Head Coach Dan Quinn said the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner and No. 2 overall pick in the NFL Draft, earned the right to start.
"I had high expectations for him coming in, but I'd say he has definitely surpassed even my expectations of the readiness, of the command," Quinn said during a press conference Tuesday. "I knew he'd be cool knowing the system. He has that way about him. You do see other players gravitate to him; they recognize how hard he's worked at it."
Daniels won't have a chance to face off against veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers though.
Rodgers sat out Thursday's joint practice with the Commanders because of inclement weather.
The 40-year-old Rodgers is coming off a torn left Achilles tendon that ended his season last year after just four snaps. He has been healthy, participated fully in every previous practice and looked good on the field during training camp this summer.
Coach Robert Saleh previously said Rodgers wouldn't play in the first or the second preseason game, with discussions about him participating in the third still to come.
Kickoff for Saturday's game is noon from New Jersey.
Week two of the preseason will see the Commanders head to Miami to take on Tyreek Hill, Tua Tagovailoa and the Dolphins. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. on Aug. 17.
You'll be able to watch both games on WUSA9 and stream all the action on WUSA9.com and WUSA9+