He's back.

Quarterback Jayden Daniels will return to action for the Washington Commanders' Week 5 game against the Los Angeles Chargers and will start for the first time since Week 2.

Daniels, who has missed the last two games with a knee injury, was a full participant in practice throughout the week. Daniels said during his Wednesday press conference that he planned to play, but the team has stopped short of confirming that and relied on its medical staff to confirm whether its starting quarterback could return to action.

Now, after seeing him reinsert himself into the offense and show that there are no hindrances on his athletic ability, the team feels comfortable enough to put him back into the lineup.

Daniels' return to the Los Angeles area where he began his playing career will include playing a Chargers team that has played like one of the league's better teams. They boast a top 10 defense and offense led by Justin Herbert, who ranks fourth in passing yards and 11th in QBR. Their defense is allowing the fifth fewest yards through the air and fourth fewest points per game. No team thus far has scored more than 21 points against them.

But the Commanders, who sit at 2-2 after their 34-27 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, are in need of a win as they enter a difficult portion of their schedule. They have three road trips in the next four games and three primetime matchups in the next five. They believe Daniels, now healthy, gives them the best chance to do that.

The Commanders are dealing with other injuries, however, namely at wide receiver. Terry McLaurin (quad) and Noah Brown (knee) have been ruled out again, forcing players like Luke McCaffrey and Jaylin Lane to step up in their absence. McCaffrey has scored a touchdown in each of the last two games and caught six of his last seven targets. The team also signed wide receiver Robbie Chosen to their practice squad and could elevate him for Sunday's game for depth.

The Commanders got more good news at tight end, as John Bates was a full participant and will return to the lineup. Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury called Bates one of the best in-line tight ends in the league, and his presence should help them in the run game, where the Chargers rank 16th in yards allowed.

Guard Sam Cosmi, who was designated to return to practice earlier this week, has been ruled out. The remainder of Washington's injured players, including Dorance Armstrong, Deebo Samuel, Daron Payne, Mike Sainristil, Colson Yankoff and Nick Bellore, will all be active.