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John Keim, ESPN Employees Author
ASHBURN, Va. — Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels didn’t observe Wednesday, however the rookie star’s standing for Sunday’s recreation in opposition to the Chicago Bears stays unsure.
Daniels, who injured his ribs within the first quarter of Sunday’s victory over Carolina, was labeled as “week-to-week” by coach Dan Quinn on Monday.
The primary-place Commanders (5-2), nonetheless, stay hopeful that Daniels can play in opposition to Caleb Williams and the Bears (4-2) in a matchup pitting the highest two gamers chosen on this 12 months’s NFL draft.
Marcus Mariota, who changed Daniels in opposition to Carolina, would begin Sunday if Daniels can’t play.
Quinn mentioned Daniels was scheduled to obtain remedy Wednesday and may take part in conferences and walk-throughs. Quinn didn’t say whether or not Daniels would observe Thursday or Friday, including that he would deal with the rookie’s standing once more after observe Friday.
“I want to make sure he can fully express himself and do all the things that he does, which makes him so unique and special,” Quinn mentioned.
Daniels has earned reward because the spring for his preparation and the way rapidly he picked up Washington’s offense. He arrives to the ability round 5 a.m. and infrequently conducts his personal walk-through an hour or so later, based on a number of sources. He has continued utilizing digital actuality know-how to assist him put together for video games, which he began doing at LSU final 12 months.
Wednesday marked the primary Commanders observe by which Daniels couldn’t take part since he was drafted within the spring.
“The good news for him [is] there’s a lot of banked reps on things that he’s done exceptionally well,” Quinn mentioned.
Daniels suffered the damage on his first play from scrimmage, a 46-yard run round proper finish by which he was tackled from the facet by one defender and from behind by one other. Daniels fell awkwardly. He completed the collection, however earlier than the following possession, he tried to throw a warm-up cross, grimaced, went to the sideline and slammed his helmet to the turf.
Mariota accomplished 18 of 23 passes for 205 yards and two touchdowns within the 40-7 win over Carolina.
“We’ve seen him play; I know he’s a great player,” Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner mentioned of Mariota. “I know all he does is prepare and wait for his opportunity and that’s what happened. He took advantage of the opportunity and played the game that we see him play all the time.”
In the meantime, Quinn mentioned Daniels’ angle has “been fantastic, just like you’d expect.” Quinn added that Daniels gained’t be swayed to return due to the matchup that includes Williams.
“It’s about him and the readiness to get ready and help our team,” Quinn mentioned. “That’s why so many of his teammates really gravitate towards him.”
Williams downplayed the storylines of the 2024 No. 1 decide going through off in opposition to the No. 2 decide, saying his “job is to go win games on Thursdays, Sundays and Mondays. That’s it.” Williams added that he desires Daniels to play Sunday when requested whether or not he could be dissatisfied if Daniels is sidelined with an damage.
“No. I hope he plays,” Williams mentioned. “Obviously you don’t wish to see good and great players down, not in games. It only makes the game better. But no, I’m not reliant off of that matchup.”
Mariota, the No. 2 decide within the 2015 draft, mentioned he can share with Daniels his expertise having missed 4 video games as a rookie.
“First and foremost, just being smart and understanding what’s most important,” Mariota mentioned. “Early on in my career, you get very worked up about, ‘I’ve got to play this week, I’ve got to play this week.’ Sometimes it’s focusing on your health in the long term.”
ESPN’s Courtney Cronin contributed to this report.
