Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels missed Wednesday’s practice due to a rib injury suffered during Sunday’s win over the Carolina Panthers. Although his status for the upcoming game against the Chicago Bears remains uncertain, head coach Dan Quinn has classified him as “week-to-week.”
The Commanders (5-2) are hopeful that Daniels can play in this key matchup, especially since it would pit him against Caleb Williams, the Bears’ quarterback, and this year’s No. 1 overall draft pick. If Daniels is unable to go, backup Marcus Mariota, who took over against Carolina, is set to start.
Daniels was injured early in the game against the Panthers, following a 46-yard run where he was tackled awkwardly by two defenders. Though he briefly stayed on the field, he was unable to continue after grimacing during a warm-up pass, forcing him to leave the game.
Mariota filled in admirably, throwing for 205 yards and two touchdowns on 18 of 23 completions, leading the Commanders to a 40-7 victory. While Daniels has missed practice for the first time since being drafted, Quinn noted that the rookie still has a chance to play, and his situation will be updated after Friday’s practice.
Known for his meticulous preparation and work ethic, Daniels has impressed the Commanders since arriving in the spring. He routinely arrives at the facility at 5 a.m. and conducts his own personal walk-throughs before official team sessions begin.
His use of virtual reality to prepare for games, a technique he adopted in college at LSU, has continued in the NFL, further cementing his reputation as a diligent and prepared quarterback. Despite missing practice, his strong foundation of preparation gives the team confidence in his eventual return.
Marcus Mariota, the former No. 2 overall pick in the 2015 draft, has shared his experience with Daniels, advising the rookie on the importance of managing health and recovery. Mariota recounted his own experience of missing games early in his career, emphasizing that players need to prioritize long-term health over rushing back too soon.
Teammates, such as linebacker Bobby Wagner, have also expressed confidence in Mariota’s ability to step in, praising his preparation and performance during his relief effort against Carolina.
As for Caleb Williams, the Bears’ quarterback and this year’s No. 1 overall draft pick, he dismissed the hype surrounding a potential showdown with Daniels. Williams emphasized that his focus remains on winning games, regardless of who is playing for the Commanders. While Williams hopes Daniels can recover in time to play, he made it clear that his approach to the game won’t change. Both teams are focused on their respective goals for the season, with health and readiness at the forefront of their decisions.
