Commanders QB Jayden Daniels returns to practice Friday

ASHBURN, Va. – Plot twist for the Washington Commanders. Quarterback Jayden Daniels practiced 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 first portion of practice, which was open to reporters, but later joined his teammates on the outdoor practice field in Washington.

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

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

However, the staff urged him to assess his physical condition.

— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) October 25, 2024

Daniels' sensational performances to start the season helped propel Washington's surprising start and put the rookie in the MVP conversation way too early. The No. 2 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft has a 75.6 completion percentage 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 status Sunday after practice. “Ultimately the coaches, (general manager) Adam (Peters) and DQ will make the decision.”

Daniels on whether he will play Sunday: “That's not my decision.” https://t.co/pLrveWV6gF

— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) October 25, 2024

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

“There’s something on my rib. It’s hard to explain, but it has something to do with the area,” Daniels said Friday.

While the initial pain subsided over the week, Daniels said, “I still have to hit marks to make them feel comfortable and let 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, along with Sam Hartman on the practice squad.

All games count equally in the rankings, but there's a lot of hype surrounding this matchup with Heisman Trophy winners Williams and Daniels, the first and second picks in April's draft. The Bears have won three straight games, with Williams throwing seven touchdown passes and one interception during that span.

Daniels said he was looking forward to the game “out of respect for Caleb, but I'm looking forward to playing every game no matter who I'm playing. “Chicago is a good team.”

Quinn said Daniels completed strength and core conditioning exercises at the start of practice and then progressed to the team portions of practice. The 23-year-old does not believe the injury is a continuing problem.

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

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(Photo: Patrick Smith/Getty Images)