Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels is considered “week to week” after sustaining a rib injury during the first quarter of the team’s lopsided Week 7 win over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.
Commanders coach Dan Quinn provided the time frame during a Monday news conference, saying it’s not a long-term issue and the team is hopeful Daniels can play in Week 8 against the Chicago Bears. It’s a matchup potentially involving Daniels, the No. 2 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, and Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, the player taken one spot ahead of Daniels at No. 1.
Quinn confirmed Daniels was injured when he was flipped by a defender at the end of a 46-yard run in the first quarter. Daniels remained in the game and had rushes of seven and three yards, as Washington capped the drive with Austin Seibert’s 23-yard field goal. Daniels was checked out on the sideline in the blue medical tent during the subsequent defensive series.
He re-emerged as the Commanders regained possession following Carolina quarterback Andy Dalton’s second interception. Daniels walked onto the field and attempted practice throws before being waived back in favor of backup Marcus Mariota. The rookie then walked toward the locker room. Daniels was initially announced as “questionable to return,” but was ruled out at halftime with the Commanders leading 27-0. At the start of second half, he returned to the sideline out of uniform, but with a smile on his face and was waving to the crowd.
Daniels has been the talk of the league with his sensational performances and role in Washington’s surprising start. The dual-threat entered leads the league with 75.6 completion percentage to go with 1,410 passing yards, six touchdown passes, 372 rush yards and four touchdowns on the ground.
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(Photo: Greg Fiume / Getty Images)
