Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels is expected to play against the Chicago Bears on Sunday, despite battling a rib injury, sources tell ESPN. While a final decision hinges on how Daniels feels during pregame warmups, team sources indicate that Daniels is highly motivated to compete.
A Commanders official described Daniels as “one tough-ass dude,” showcasing his resilience and determination to be on the field. If he does play, this matchup will mark the first NFL duel between the season’s top two draft picks, Daniels, and Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, adding a competitive edge to the game.
Daniels’ status remains officially listed as questionable, but there were signs of improvement by the end of the week. After missing practices on Wednesday and Thursday, he was able to participate in a limited capacity on Friday and join Washington’s walk-through on Saturday.
Head coach Dan Quinn noted that Daniels “really pushed it” on Friday, hinting that the organization will assess his condition up until game time. Quinn emphasized that the team would base its final decision on how Daniels responds in the lead-up to the game, prioritizing both his well-being and the team’s overall needs.
This game holds considerable significance for both Daniels and the Commanders, as the team leads the NFC East with a 5-2 record, narrowly ahead of the Philadelphia Eagles. Daniels reportedly understands the stakes of this matchup with Williams, who was picked right before him in the NFL draft.
The outcome could potentially impact both teams’ playoff trajectories and holds personal significance for Daniels, who seems keen to compete against his top-ranked counterpart, despite his injury. His desire to play was underscored by a team official’s remark that he’d likely still want to play even if he were severely injured.
In terms of preparation, the Commanders are being cautious with Daniels’ health, balancing his eagerness to play against long-term considerations. The coaching staff is closely monitoring Daniels’ progress, as his participation could influence the Commanders’ offensive strategy.
Quinn emphasized a need for patience, noting the importance of observing Daniels’ condition and responses over the weekend. Meanwhile, Daniels expressed optimism about his physical state, though he acknowledged the decision to play rests with the coaching and medical teams.
Last week’s game saw Daniels exit early after suffering the rib injury on his first play. Marcus Mariota filled in as his replacement, performing efficiently by completing 18 of 23 passes for 205 yards and two touchdowns. Should Daniels be unable to play or need to exit again, Mariota’s proven reliability provides the Commanders with a solid backup option. The team remains poised for a critical game as they aim to secure their division lead, regardless of whether Daniels or Mariota ultimately takes the field.
