Despite having a limited role in practice on Friday, Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (rib) is not being ruled out for Sunday’s game against fellow rookie QB Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears.
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, head coach Dan Quinn said the team will “assess how he responds to the work that we did over the next 48 hours” when speaking to the media.
Pelissero provided a later update saying the Commanders have listed Daniels as questionable for Sunday’s game.
Daniels suffered the rib injury on his first play from scrimmage during the Commanders’ Week 7 win over the Carolina Panthers.
While Daniels was at practice on Friday, he had not practiced at all the prior two days. Despite the challenging week for the rookie sensation, Daniels said he feels good, but “I’ve still got some marks I need to hit so they feel comfortable putting me out there,” per ESPN’s John Keim.
The Commanders have had a fantastic start to the season with Daniels under center. The No. 2 overall draft pick has been nearly flawless, passing for 1,410 yards and six TDs, and is currently in possession of the league’s third-best QBR of 74.0. Daniels has also rushed for four TDs.
Even more impressive, Daniels has only thrown two interceptions all season. For comparison, two-time MVP and three-time Super Bowl champion quarterback Patrick Mahomes is tied for the most interceptions thrown in the league with eight.
While each of the Commanders’ five victories have come against teams that currently have a losing record, they have looked impressive in those games, particularly Daniels’ efficiency throwing the ball (75.6 percent) and playmaking ability on the ground.
If Daniels is unable to suit up, veteran Marcus Mariota would make his first start since Week 13 of the 2022 season with the Atlanta Falcons. Mariota passed for 205 yards and two TDs against the Panthers in relief of Daniels.
Mariota played well in the team’s Week 7 win, which should make the Commanders organization feel more at ease if Daniels is unable to play.
