Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels suffered a rib injury against the Panthers, but has improved and could play against the Bears.
ASHBURN, Va. — Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Danielswas limited in practice this Friday after not practicing the previous two days, but there is still a possibility that he will play on Sunday against the Chicago Bears.
Daniels suffered a rib injury in the first quarter of the Week 7 win over the Carolina Panthers. Marcus Mariota would be the starter if Daniels can’t play when the Commanders (5-2) host the Bears (4-2).
Daniels’ status may not be revealed until Sunday afternoon; the game is scheduled to begin at 4:25 p.m.
“He really stepped up today,” Washington coach Dan Quinn said. “We’ll let our eyes decide how he responds over the next 48 hours. That will guide us and we’ll make the best decision for him and the team.”
Daniels said he feels good.
“I want to play, but it’s not my decision,” he said. “I feel better, but I still have some time. I still have some marks I need to hit so they feel comfortable putting me on the field.”
Daniels did not participate in practice during the approximately 20 minutes open to the media on Friday. For part of that time, all four quarterbacks worked inside the team’s practice bubble while the rest of the players were outside stretching and doing individual drills.
But the other three quarterbacks, Mariota, Jeff Driskel y Sam Hartmanarrived on the field before open practice ended. Mariota and Driskel were participating in the team’s usual red zone passing reps on Fridays.
However, Quinn indicated that during this period, Daniels was inside working on strengthening and conditioning his core area. He later joined the session for full team drills. Quinn said there were no limitations for Daniels on Friday and called it a “good day” for his rookie quarterback.
When he was in practice, Quinn noted that they tested his ability to run and throw, as well as his sudden movements against a blitz or other pressure.
Daniels did not practice Wednesday or Thursday, but Quinn said they followed the plan they had laid out for Daniels at the beginning of the week, including for Friday.
“You have to push yourself to see where you are,” Quinn said. “Keep knocking down the steps and now we’ll go through them again (Saturday).”
Daniels said he trusts the organization to make the right decision about whether he will play on Sunday.
“It’s football. At the end of the day, things happen,” Daniels said. “Sometimes you might have to fight for something, but if you can play, you can give it your all and be smart about it. Obviously, they wouldn’t put me in a position where they don’t feel comfortable. For my future, I don’t want to put myself in either. in that predicament.”
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 the Atlanta Falcons.
“Marcus has really helped our offense from a maturity standpoint, from a leadership standpoint,” the Washington receiver said. Terry McLaurin. “He makes everything very easy for everyone because he’s a great leader and knows what this offense is supposed to look like and how to run. We trust him to be the quarterback if that’s the case.”
