John Keim, ESPN Employees Author
ASHBURN, Va. — Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels was restricted in observe Friday after not working towards the earlier two days, however there’s nonetheless an opportunity he performs Sunday vs. the Chicago Bears.
Daniels suffered a rib damage within the first quarter of a Week 7 win over Carolina. Marcus Mariota would begin if Daniels cannot play when the Commanders (5-2) host the Bears (4-2).
It is attainable Daniels’ standing will not be revealed till Sunday afternoon; the sport is scheduled to kick off at 4:25 p.m.
“He actually pushed it as we speak,” Washington coach Dan Quinn mentioned. “We’ll let our eyes resolve how he responds over the subsequent 48 hours. That’ll information us and we’ll make one of the best determination for him and the group.”
Daniels mentioned he feels good.
“I wish to play nevertheless it’s not my determination,” he mentioned “It feels higher, however I’ve nonetheless received a while. I’ve nonetheless received some marks I have to hit in order that they really feel comfy placing me on the market.”
Daniels didn’t take part in observe in the course of the roughly 20 minutes open to the media Friday. Throughout a part of that point the 4 quarterbacks had been working contained in the group’s observe bubble whereas the remainder of the gamers had been exterior stretching and going by particular person drills.
However the different three quarterbacks -Mariota, Jeff Driskel and Sam Hartman – all arrived to the sector earlier than the open viewing ended. Mariota and Driskel had been collaborating within the group’s customary Friday purple zone passing reps.
Nonetheless, Quinn mentioned throughout this era Daniels was inside engaged on strengthening and conditioning his core space. He later joined the session for full-team drills. Quinn mentioned there have been no limitations on Daniels Friday and he referred to as it a “good day” for his rookie passer.
When he was at observe, Quinn mentioned they examined his means to scramble and make throws in addition to his sudden actions vs. a blitz or different stress.
Daniels didn’t observe Wednesday and Thursday. However, Quinn mentioned, they adopted the plan they laid out for Daniels at first of the week – together with for Friday.
“It’s important to push it to see the place you are at,” Quinn mentioned. “He retains pulling down the steps and now we’ll by them once more [Saturday].”
Daniels mentioned he is assured the group will make the appropriate determination about him enjoying Sunday.
“It is soccer. On the finish of the day issues occur,” Daniels mentioned. “Typically you might need to combat by one thing, however when you might go, you can provide your all and be sensible about it. Clearly they would not put me in any place they would not really feel comfy in. For my future, I do not wish to put myself in that predicament both.”
Daniels injured his rib on his first play from scrimmage Sunday, a 46-yard run by which he was caught from the facet and behind by two Carolina defenders. He completed the collection however didn’t return. Mariota changed him and accomplished 18-of-23 passes for 205 yards and two touchdowns.
Mariota would make his first begin since Week 13 of the 2022 season with Atlanta.
“Marcus has actually helped our offense from a maturity standpoint, from a management standpoint,” Washington receiver Terry McLaurin mentioned. “He makes it very easy on everyone as a result of he is such a frontrunner and he is aware of what it is speculated to seem like and find out how to execute this offense. We’re assured going ahead with him being the quarterback if that is the case.”
