Jayden Daniels is clearly pushing to play in Week 4 against the Indianapolis Colts. The Washington Commanders are giving him a shot, and although they haven't disclosed it publicly, everyone in the building probably knows by now whether he will feature.
But is this just gamesmanship, or does Daniels have a real shot at missing only one game with a dislocated elbow before returning to the field?
The truth probably lies somewhere in the middle.
Commanders need to tread carefully with Jayden Daniels' return amid growing hype
The Commanders are getting a competitive edge, as the Colts will have to prepare for two quarterbacks. While the scheme implemented by David Blough doesn't change much, Daniels is a far bigger threat than veteran Marcus Mariota.
And it must be taken seriously.
At the same time, Daniels wouldn't have made the trip to London if he wasn't intent on playing. He sounded confident about suiting up during his media availability on Thursday, but nothing is set in stone.
Daniels made his case, and it was a strong one.
The Arizona State product loves playing football. Every player is hurt in some capacity, and he is no different. Daniels will also protect himself when he gets the green light, which is imperative in a high-risk situation.
"I love football. I play football. I get paid to play football ... Everybody's hurting. Something's wrong with somebody on this team, so I just feel like, for me, being a leader, being a guy going out there and giving my shot to go out there and play and obviously protect myself. I just love football. I have a passion for it."
It's a compelling argument, of course.
Jayden Daniels made a strong case to play, but the Commanders cannot rush it
But the Commanders have stated on countless occasions that they will not put Daniels in the firing line until he is ready.
That is the smart approach. And make no mistake; the decision should be out of Daniels' hands.
He is the franchise player. He holds the fate of Washington's long-term prosperity in his hands. And if Daniels aggravates this injury again, that will likely end his season.
The Commanders proved during their jaw-dropping win over the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks that they can cope without Daniels in the short term. If he has to sit out this week but can return against the New York Giants in Week 5, that's fine.
He won't like it, but it's a legitimate possibility.
If Daniels has any say in it, he will be on the field at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. It's a complicated discussion, but he is passionate about the game and wants to do everything in his power to help.
He also doesn't think there will be many restrictions. And that might be the tipping point, above all else, that gives Daniels the all-clear.
The sooner Blough knows, the better. That decision should come at some point on Friday, and all the speculation can end.
If Daniels plays, he has to be insulated. If it's Mariota, everyone will rally behind the respected veteran, just as they did last weekend to secure a stunning triumph on home soil.
There's no telling what will be decided. But I get the growing sense that Daniels will feature.
Just a hunch, but the signs are pointing that way.
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