Jayden Daniels' Status for Commanders vs. Bears TBD; QB Practiced Friday amid Injury
Joseph Zucker@@JosephZucker
Featured Columnist IVOctober 25, 2024
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels returned to practice Friday after suffering a rib injury during the team's Week 7 win against the Carolina Panthers.
Daniels was listed as questionable for the contest by the Commanders.
According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said: "We will assess how he responds to the work that we did over the next 48 hours. But we really pushed it today."
Daniels did not practice Wednesday or Thursday, which suggests he is making some progress.
The star rookie was limited to just 10 offensive snaps in Washington's 40-7 victory over the Panthers after injuring his ribs. He walked back onto the sideline in the third quarter in street clothes.
Quinn provided an update a day after the victory and said Daniels was considered "week-to-week."
"We're hopeful he can play," he told reporters in reference to the Commanders' Week 8 matchup with the Chicago Bears. "But we'll also make sure to take every precautionary step and do it smartly for the player and the man."
Daniels has exceeded expectations to this point. Through seven starts, he has 1,410 yards, six touchdowns and two interceptions though the air, and his completion rate (75.6 percent) is the highest in the league.
The 2023 Heisman Trophy winner has showcased his dual-threat abilities as well, running for 372 yards and four scores.
Daniels' hot start had some asking already whether the Bears had made a mistake in selecting Caleb Williams ahead of him in the 2024 NFL draft.
In Marcus Mariota, the Commanders have an experienced backup who's not a bad spot starter in a pinch. His playing style means the offensive scheme doesn't have to change too much when he comes on.
But Daniels is instrumental in Washington maintaining its momentum and mounting a real playoff challenge. While that's a lot to put on a rookie's shoulders, he has handled it well so far.
Should Daniels not be cleared to start against the Bears on Sunday in what would be a battle between the top two picks in the 2024 NFL draft, Mariota will start in his place.
