The Washington Commanders are getting healthier. It's too little, too late to save their playoff hopes, but it could mean that head coach Dan Quinn's squad will be more competitive over the final six games of the campaign.
Jayden Daniels is among those returning to practice. Quinn confirmed that the superstar quarterback has not been cleared for contact yet as he continues to recover from a dislocated elbow. That makes his participation on Sunday Night Football against the Denver Broncos unlikely, which isn't a bad thing given their vaunted defensive front.
Quinn also hinted that the Commanders could use their games down the stretch to alter Daniels' playing style. Something he believes could be the key to ensuring his longevity while also remaining a hugely influential factor on the field.
Dan Quinn wants Jayden Daniels to be safer when he makes Commanders return
The coach wants Daniels to remain dynamic. Quinn also wants him to be a lot safer. That happens with reps and experience, which the Commanders are hoping to get more of for the player once he gets the all-clear to participate.
"I think it’s important as Jayden [Daniels] gets going that he learns to play at the highest level and, competitively, that he also learns to do it safely. Those are reps that you develop as well. It’s a skill, just like throwing and processing, and so all those things are important."Dan Quinn via The Athletic
Daniels takes a lot of punishment. He's a dual-threat quarterback, but his slender build can make hits look a lot worse than they are. But make no mistake; the dislocated elbow suffered against the Seattle Seahawks should serve as a wake-up call.
There is nothing wrong with living to fight another day without trying to gain extra yards. After all, the best ability in the NFL is availability, and the Commanders haven't had that as much from the former LSU standout this season.
Quinn and Daniels have the utmost respect for one another. They've developed a close bond, so if the experienced coach wants him to make some tweaks to his approach on the field, the signal-caller will try to do so. It's a fine line, but it's feasible with some improved awareness and risk assessment.
The Commanders are not going to get very far without Daniels. This season's woes have proved that beyond all doubt, so if he can find a way to limit his punishment while keeping the same productivity, the better Washington's chances will be.
Just how long it'll take Daniels to accomplish this feat is another matter. But he'll give it a shot.