Jayden Daniels kept it short and sweet during his weekly media availability, which has become the norm. But it's clear that the Washington Commanders quarterback is highly confident he can hit the ground running when he returns to the lineup this weekend against the New York Giants.
Daniels is embracing the brace, in his own words. And the Commanders need him to in their season-saving quest in Week 5 at Northwest Stadium.
And now, he's done talking.
Jayden Daniels is done talking before long-awaited Commanders return
The No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft was back practicing on Wednesday. Washington put a little more on his plate, including taking snaps from under center. This is another important piece of the puzzle, and all signs are still pointing to Daniels being on the field after a two-game absence.
He was ready to go last week, at least in his mind. The Commanders took the cautious approach, but with another week to heal and get comfortable, it's all systems go now.
And the steely game-week mindset has already returned.
Daniels made that crystal clear with his comments and his body language in front of the media.
Fans should have expected nothing less.
Daniels is the ultra-competitor. He wants to get back onto the field and remind the world why he was considered elite as a rookie. Missing two games was bad enough, and with Marcus Mariota going to miss a couple of weeks, the urgency to get everything back on track by getting back on the field cannot be overstated.
Commanders need Jayden Daniels to give their floundering season life
And the Commanders need him.
Everything seems to be going according to plan. Daniels has two more practice days to get through, but being listed as a full participant on Wednesday is a positive step in the right direction. Grave risks remain, but everyone is comfortable moving forward on the front foot and letting the signal-caller suit up.
At a time when the Commanders need any positivity, this will be massive for confidence in the locker room.
There is a different look in Daniels' eyes. He knows it's a game-day week, and he knows he'll face a Giants defense that still boasts some significant game-wreckers, despite losing star edge rusher Brian Burns to a torn ACL.
And the Commanders are counting on him to save their season.
This is a boost. Daniels will wear a brace, and the Commanders might have to scheme things a little differently to limit the risk of complications. But considering the alternatives, and the fact that Washington hasn't brought in another quarterback, it could be a lot worse.
Daniels is a football player. He loves the game, wants to be the best, and always wants to be under center, making the dynamic plays that instantly won him fans' hearts.
The elbow might need surgery after the season. But for now, Daniels is toughing it out, and the purposeful focus he is showing means it's almost go time.
And everyone associated with the Commanders will be hoping there are no further complications from here.
Add us as a preferred source on Google