Wagner agrees with Martin that the team needs to play with passion and for something greater than themselves. The worst thing a player or team can do in a situation that puts their backs against the wall is self-pity, according to Wagner. The other key to staying motivated toward success is a mentality focused on what can be changed, rather than what can't.
"I think a lot of that is just your mentality," Wagner said. "That's the easy way to go, is to say, 'why me?' The harder way is to just keep your head up and figure out how you can make the most of the situation so that's what my energy is toward and that's what I believe."
Helping Wagner and the Commanders to stay positive amid injuries is confidence both inside and outside of the locker room.
"Just the players believing, the coaches believing, the city believing," Wagner said of keeping a positive mentality. "A lot of it is just belief and doing the work. A lot of times work takes care of a lot of stuff."
Head coach Dan Quinn's Friday morning announcement that Daniels will not be placed on Injured Reserve and did not suffer any fractures or ligament tears that require surgery in the dislocation of his non-throwing elbow is also a morale boost for the locker room. Not only does it keep the fanbase invigorated with the hope that Daniels could return at some point later this season but also gives the locker room a boost knowing they have something bigger to play for each week.
Although he won't be taking the field Sunday against the Detroit Lions, Daniels has been sitting in on meetings and interacting with teammates. Similarly, defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr., who suffered a season-ending quad injury in Week 2, has been hanging out in the locker room. Their presence in and around the locker room is a reminder for the team to keep pushing and keep believing.
"I think for all of us, we want to make sure Jayden understands that those things are out of your control," Mariota said. "Focus on getting healthy, getting right and everything else will take care of itself.
"He's the face of the franchise, and the more that we can get him healthy, get him ready to go, it'll be good for everybody."
While Daniels focuses on rehab and getting healthy, Washington is looking to get back on track and continue to push toward a playoff spot. The first step toward that goal is a win over Detroit. As Mariota and Quinn point out, it's important to remember that every run begins with one win. A sense of urgency is necessary, however, focusing on one game at a time is crucial to the Commanders' success as they navigate injuries.
"We understand that being out here, taking it one day at a time, getting things corrected, getting things organized, making sure everyone's on the same page so that when we do get to Sunday, guys are feeling confident and ready to go," Mariota said.