Commanders QB Jayden Daniels returns to practice Friday

ASHBURN, Va. — Plot twist for the Washington Commanders. Quarterback Jayden Daniels practiced on Friday after missing the previous two days with a rib injury, giving himself a chance to face the Chicago Bears and fellow rookie Caleb Williams on Sunday.

Head coach Dan Quinn said no decision has been made on whether Daniels will be active as the Commanders (5-2) host the Bears (4-2). Daniels was absent during the initial portion of practice open to reporters but later joined his teammates on Washington’s outdoor practice field.

“We stayed true to the process for Jayden of what we were going to do from Wednesday to Thursday,” Quinn said. “We really wanted to push him today, to see where he would be. And then let’s see how he responds to that kind of push … but it was a good day.”

Dan Quinn said he imagines Jayden Daniels will be listed as “limited” on today’s injury report.

However, the staff “pushed him” him to help gauge his physical status.

— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) October 25, 2024

Daniels’ sensational performances to open the season have helped propel Washington’s surprising start and thrust the rookie into way-too-early MVP conversations. The No. 2 pick in the 2024 NFL draft has a 75.6 completion percentage to go with 1,410 passing yards, six touchdown passes, 372 rushing yards and four touchdowns on the ground.

“I want to play. It’s not my decision,” Daniels said of his Sunday status following practice. “Ultimately, the trainers, (general manager) Adam (Peters) and DQ will make the decision.”

Daniels on if he will play Sunday: “It’s not my decision.” https://t.co/pLrveWV6gF

— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) October 25, 2024

The injury occurred when two defenders tackled Daniels from scrimmage at the end of a 46-yard run on Washington’s opening play of last week’s 40-7 win over the Carolina Panthers. Momentum from the fall led to Daniels’ body flipping over. He stayed in for the duration of the possession, which ended with a 23-yard field goal, but did not return.

“It’s something to my rib. It’s kind of hard to explain, but it’s something to the area right there,” Daniels said on Friday.

While the initial pain subsided over the week, Daniels said, “I still have marks I need to hit for them to feel comfortable to put me out there.”

Marcus Mariota replaced Daniels last Sunday after the opening drive. Mariota completed 18-of-23 attempts for 205 yards and two touchdowns and rushed 11 times for 34 yards against Carolina. Washington signed the former Tennessee Titans and Atlanta Falcons starter in free agency this offseason to serve as a mentor and capable backup.

The 10-year veteran would make his first start since 2022 if Daniels is officially ruled out. Jeff Driskel is Washington’s third quarterback with Sam Hartman on the practice squad.

All the games count equally in the standings, but significant hype surrounds this matchup featuring Heisman Trophy winners Williams and Daniels, the first and second players selected in April’s draft. The Bears have won three consecutive games, with Williams throwing seven touchdown passes and one interception over that span.

Daniels said he looked forward to the game “as respect to Caleb, but I look forward trying to play every game no matter who I am playing against. Chicago is a good team.”

Quinn said Daniels went through strength and core conditioning work at the top of practice to then hit the team portions of practice. The 23-year-old doesn’t believe the injury is a lingering concern.

“At the end of the day,” Daniels said, “it’s football.”