Commanders QB Jayden Daniels is training, could play against the Bears

ASHBURN, Va. (AP) — Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels was able to practice on a limited basis Friday after not practicing the previous two days, but there is still a chance he plays against the Chicago Bears on Sunday.

Daniels suffered a rib injury in the first quarter of a Week 7 win against Carolina. Marcus Mariota would start if Daniels is unable to play when the Commanders (5-2) host the Bears (4-2).

It's possible Daniels' status won't be announced until Sunday afternoon. The game kicks off at 4:25 p.m

“He really pushed today,” Washington coach Dan Quinn said. “We will let our eyes decide how he reacts in the next 48 hours. That will guide us and we will make the best decision for him and the team.”

Daniels said he felt good.

“I want to play, but it’s not my decision,” he said. “It feels better, but I still have some time. I need to score a few more points so they feel comfortable when I’m out there.”

Daniels did not participate in practice during the approximately 20 minutes open to the media Friday. During part of that time, the four quarterbacks worked in the team's training bubble while the rest of the players were outside stretching and doing individual drills.

But the other three quarterbacks — Mariota, Jeff Driskel and Sam Hartman — all arrived on the field before the public viewing ended. Mariota and Driskel took part in the team's usual Friday passing maneuvers in the red zone.

However, Quinn said Daniels worked on strengthening and conditioning his core during that time indoors. Later, he attended the drill session with the entire team. Quinn said there were no restrictions on Daniels Friday and he called it a “good day” for his rookie passer.

When he was at practice, Quinn said they tested his ability to scramble and make throws, as well as his sudden movements compared to a blitz or other pressure.

Daniels did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday. But, Quinn said, they followed the plan they presented to Daniels earlier in the week – including for Friday.

“You have to push to see where you stand,” Quinn said. “He keeps tearing down the steps and now we’re going through them again (Saturday).”

Daniels said he is confident the organization will make the right decision about whether he will play Sunday.

“It's football. At the end of the day, things happen,” Daniels said. “Sometimes you might have to fight through something, but if you could go, you could do your best and be smart about it. Obviously they wouldn't put me in a position where they wouldn't be comfortable. For my future, I don't want to put myself in this predicament either.

Daniels injured his rib on his first play from scrimmage Sunday, a 46-yard run in which he was caught from the side and behind by two Carolina defenders. He finished the series but did not return. Mariota replaced him and completed 18 of 23 passes for 205 yards and two touchdowns.

Mariota would make his first start since Week 13 of the 2022 season with Atlanta.

“Marcus has really helped our offense in terms of maturity and leadership,” Washington receiver Terry McLaurin said. “He makes it really easy for everyone because he’s a leader and he knows what it’s supposed to look like and how to run that offense. We’re confident he should be the quarterback in the future if that happens.”