It sure sounds like Jayden Daniels will suit up for the Washington Commanders on Sunday.
Daniels’ status for this afternoon’s game against the Chicago Bears has been in doubt since suffering injured ribs in Washington’s Week 7 win against the Carolina Panthers. The rookie quarterback skipped Thursday and Friday practices, but participated (albeit in a limited capacity) in Friday’s session and was available for Saturday’s walk-through. And on Sunday morning, a pair of reports dropped suggesting that Daniels, who was listed as questionable on the injury report, will play in Week 8. Who saw this coming?
The latest on Jayden Daniels hints he will play vs. Bears
ESPN’s Adam Schefter hears that all signs are pointing to Jayden Daniels getting the call to start for the Commanders on Sunday. As does NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, who dropped this video on Sunday morning:
The quote from Rap Sheet:
“All eyes are on Commanders star quarterback Jayden Daniels, of course everyone knows is dealing with a rib cartilage issue. Officially listed as questionable. The very latest this morning, my understanding is there is optimism that Jayden Daniels will be able to play today. He participated in every walk-through this week, was able to practice on a limited basis on Friday. They want to see how he feels when he gets to the stadium. He will do a pre-game workout. But my understanding, a lot of optimism today.”
Ahhh, there is nothing like the chaotic drama of playing the “who’s in and who’s out?” game on a Sunday. But when Schefty and Rap Sheet report something that gives off the same vibe, it makes it seem like there is a strong chance of that thing happening. Stay tuned.
Maybe there will be a hiccup between now and when each team’s list of inactive players is due 90 minutes before the 3:25 p.m. CT kickoff. But it seems like the Commanders are going to give it a go with their rookie QB1. And if they do, we’ll be getting a battle of the No. 1 pick (Bears quarterback Caleb Williams) against the No. 2 selection (Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels). If that is how the cookie crumbles, then I’ll embrace it.
A matchup between the top two picks (and both players are starting quarterbacks) in a given draft doesn’t happen often. And it sure as heck doesn’t happen often when both signal callers are performing at a high level. Jayden Daniels and Caleb Williams are front runners for top rookie honors. But more than that, both have been playing lately like the type of franchise quarterback their franchises will want to build around moving forward. This is a marquee matchup — one the NFL is surely rooting for to grow into the next big thing.
