Jayden Daniels wasn't giving much away during his media availability after Thursday's practice. But it's also clear that the quarterback is pushing hard to start for the Washington Commanders in Week 4.
That's a difficult situation to navigate successfully, and there is no real right answer. However, if Daniels has any say in the matter, he will be suiting up.
Daniels is always very cagey in front of the media. He doesn't give much away, and these obligations always seem like a chore to get through quickly so he can focus on more important things.
Jayden Daniels seems confident about starting for the Commanders in Week 4
But the body language told its own story.
The Arizona State product said he wants to be out there. More importantly, Daniels doesn't believe there will be any restrictions on his throwing motion if he does get the green light to feature.
He's taking things one day at a time. The Commanders are not rushing anything. They know veteran backup Marcus Mariota can do the job if Daniels needs a little extra time. But everything is up in the air until the final injury designations are confirmed on Friday.
Daniels has now come through two practices. He will be constantly assessed, and it'll be interesting to see how his elbow reacts to these sessions. But nobody can measure taking contact at full speed in a regular-season setting until it happens.
That's the trickiest element of this whole equation.
The Commanders might be comfortable. Daniels is certainly confident he can put his best foot forward if given the chance. But another hard fall or a flare-up remains a risk.
Commanders cannot let Jayden Daniels dictate his own fate
Keeping Daniels' options open gives him a chance. An extensive week of tests was enough to put off surgery and avoid injured reserve. Obviously, another dislocation meant there was some damage, but everyone was comfortable enough to take things day by day and week to week.
Offensive coordinator David Blough wants to know the plan sooner rather than later. The scheme doesn't change much, but it removes uncertainty for everyone. But the rookie play-caller admitted the situation is still fluid.
Friday's practice is never that strenuous. Daniels will get the opportunity to loosen his arms again and see how they react. If everything goes as planned, one couldn't dismiss the possibility of the No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft being involved.
Even backing up Mariota initially would be a step in the right direction.
But for someone with Daniels' competitive fire, that may not suffice.
It's everything or nothing for him. And the Commanders know it.
This is a fascinating dynamic.
Daniels is itching to play. The Commanders have to take stock of everything, and Mariota's ability to run the offense effectively last weekend against the Seattle Seahawks is another factor to consider.
The dangers are huge. Caution would be preferred, but Daniels doesn't want to miss any more time. He sat out enough last season, and if he doesn't believe there will be any restrictions with a brace on his non-throwing arm, this all comes down to the pain threshold and the internal damage in the elbow.
Daniels will fight his corner. The Commanders will do what's best for the team. And Mariota will be staying ready to play if needed.
But this could legitimately go either way right now.
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