Jayden Daniels' injury status and whether he should play again this season have been a subject of intense debate among Washington Commanders fans and the broader media. But it's starting to look like the dynamic signal-caller has a chance to feature this weekend against the Minnesota Vikings.
For the first time since dislocating his elbow in Week 9 against the Seattle Seahawks, the No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft was listed as a full participant in practice on Thursday. This means he took all the first-team reps and had the same workload as everyone else. Simply put, the Commanders felt comfortable enough to ramp up his involvement before potentially getting him back into the lineup at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Daniels is working hard to convince the coaching and medical staff that he is healthy enough to participate. Head coach Dan Quinn revealed on Wednesday that he hasn't been cleared for contact just yet. That might have changed, but much will depend on how his body responds over the next 24 hours.
Commanders have a massive decision to make with Jayden Daniels
If Daniels gets the green light, it'll be the first time that the Commanders will have had their starting quarterback, right guard, and top-three wide receivers available at the same time this season. That will be needed and more versus a Vikings defense boasting the league's best pressure rate this season.
This is the most encouraging sign yet. Some fans won't like it, but their pleas to shut Daniels down for the rest of 2025 have fallen on deaf ears. He's coming back at some stage, and looking at the defensive lines Washington will face the rest of the way, there isn't really an easy out in that regard.
Coaching scared is not an option. Daniels, or anyone else for that matter, can get hurt at any time. Putting him out there unless there is 100 percent conviction is foolish with little to play for. But this represents the most positive development so far.
What comes from it remains to be seen. The Commanders will see how Daniels looks on Friday. They will accumulate the relevant information from doctors before taking things further. However, if they are suitably impressed with the reigning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year's progress, he'll play.
Marcus Mariota has done an admirable job in Daniels' absence. But nothing captivates the Commanders' fans more than having their franchise player leading the charge under center.
And he's getting closer.