Third-year quarterback Jayden Daniels was no doubt disappointed to learn he wouldn't start for the Washington Commanders in Week 4 against the Indianapolis Colts. But head coach Dan Quinn highlighted the one key area that prevented them from taking the plunge.
When confirming that Daniels wouldn't feature in London, Quinn acknowledged that the signal-caller's return to practice was a big step forward. It wasn't enough, but the respected leader believes a full week of good work is the next step to getting the green light.
After that, his chances will improve exponentially.
Jayden Daniels must practice fully to justify Commanders' green light
Daniels traveled across the pond to be with his team. He got the chance to feature on the practice field, but it wasn't strenuous. And even though it's a positive step, the Commanders clearly didn't feel comfortable throwing him out there with such a quick return-to-practice schedule.
While Daniels probably didn't like it, he must accept it. Because after two dislocated elbows in as many years, there cannot be any cutting corners.
It doesn't matter how much he wants to play. This is a gradual process, and if Daniels isn't hitting the required markers, he will stay off the field.
That said, Quinn has now set a new goal for Daniels.
He has a target. And when that target is cleared, it's all systems go.
That will be Daniels' focus when the Commanders return home and turn their attention to Week 5 against the New York Giants. This is a crucial divisional matchup, and if Washington can win its second straight game without him, beating the G-Men could get them above .500 after an 0-2 start.
Jayden Daniels knows what must be done to earn Commanders return
Not playing at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is disappointing, but it's not the end of the world.
In fact, it might actually be a good thing.
More rest means more time to heal. There is a risk either way, but the longer Daniels has to recover, the better
But make no mistake: he will push himself to the limit to convince the coaching staff he can go at Northwest Stadium next week.
Until then, Mariota will once again be tasked with keeping the Commanders afloat. He did that successfully in a phenomenal upset against the Seattle Seahawks. He'll fancy his chances of doing it again against a Colts defense that gave up a league-worst 417.3 yards per game.
And if the Commanders can secure a second straight victory, Daniels will be even more motivated.
Quinn laid it out clearly. Daniels is close, but not close enough. A full week of practice without any issues flaring up is the final hurdle. And if the medical team is satisfied after that, the Commanders will have no problem ending his time on the sidelines.
But that will not happen before then.
And the Commanders are right to adopt this cautious approach with their franchise player.
Daniels will accept the decision. But at least he now knows how much more he has to do to change the Commanders' thinking on his participation.
He'll aim to do that sooner rather than later.
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