Injury problems have ravaged the Washington Commanders this season. Head coach Dan Quinn is navigating troubled waters, and it's been one disappointment after another in his quest to turn the tide.
Just when it looked like wide receiver Terry McLaurin was back for good, he reaggravated the quad complication that forced him to miss four contests. Quinn ruled him out of Week 9 against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday Night Football, though he said it's not expected to be a long-term absence.
That demoralized the fan base. However, there was a shining light amid the constant swirl of doom and gloom enveloping the organization.
Jayden Daniels looks on course to return for the Commanders in Week 9
Quinn confirmed that the plan is for quarterback Jayden Daniels to practice in full this week. He missed Washington's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs with a low-grade hamstring strain, and his presence was sorely missed. It's early days, and the signal-caller still has some hurdles to jump, but all signs point to the LSU product taking his place in the lineup this weekend.
To say this represents a morale boost would be an understatement. Daniels is the franchise player. He's the man who makes everything tick both on and off the field. He's got elite traits and emerging leadership. Just having him back on the practice field will give everyone a massive lift just when things are teetering on the brink of collapse.
If Daniels hits specific targets in the coming days, he'll suit up. The Heisman Trophy winner won't have McLaurin to depend upon, but he's the sort of player who can elevate others around him. Washington needs all that and more versus the Seahawks, who look well on course to reach the playoffs and potentially make some noise if the same trend continues.
It won't be easy, but the Commanders' chances increase exponentially with Daniels under center. He's capable of going toe-to-toe easily with Sam Darnold if other phases meet their end of the bargain. But the player should expect Mike Macdonald to turn up the pressure and test out that hamstring right out of the gate.
Watching Daniels' progress in the coming days will tell fans more. Quinn said the same about McLaurin and Deebo Samuel Sr. Both played in Week 8, so hopefully, the same trend continues and Washington's premier player can lead from the front once again.
It's an immensely positive development. And after so much hardship, the Commanders are due some good luck.