Jayden Daniels is traveling to London for the Washington Commanders' international game against the Indianapolis Colts. Head coach Dan Quinn confirmed that the star quarterback would practice in some capacity, but a quick return won't delay the inevitable much further down the line.
The Commanders gave the signal-caller added motivation to return soon after a sensational upset victory over the Seattle Seahawks in Week 3. Daniels will have to wear a brace when he takes the field again, and a recent report suggests that surgery remains a strong possibility after the campaign.
According to Tom Pelissero of Netflix and The Ringer, a procedure to strengthen the dislocated elbow remains in play for Daniels at season's end. The Arizona State product was determined to avoid this scenario in-season, and the specialists agreed.
Jayden Daniels could still get surgery after Commanders' race is run this season
It's a calculated risk, but Daniels' competitive nature almost demanded no other option.
Daniels wants to play. He missed a lot of football last season, and he didn't want the same to happen again. The No. 2 pick in 2024 knows what is at stake this time around, including the prospect of getting a lucrative contract extension when he becomes eligible in 2027.
The Commanders are giving him a chance. But Pelissero's report of a strong possibility of surgery suggests Washington is still keeping the bigger picture in mind.
That's the right call.
If it flares up again through a hard fall, it'll be disastrous. But everyone seems comfortable with the risk element compared to the possible reward.
For now, at least.
Jayden Daniels wanted to return, and the Commanders are giving him that chance right away
Everyone will monitor Daniels' progress closely this week. His mere presence on the practice field in London will draw attention, which is understandable as Washington's franchise player. Playing this week does seem like a stretch, but getting some extra reps in to loosen things up should make the journey across the pond worthwhile.
There are several unknowns. The more it dislocates, the higher the probability it will happen again. That's why getting surgery after this season is being strongly considered, but with the recovery time anywhere from six months to a year, it must happen immediately after Washington's race is run.
Anything less is malpractice — both from the Commanders and Daniels himself.
Daniels won't be worrying about that now. The decision is made, and speaking to his teammates to reassure them he'll be back made the path clear. He knows the Commanders need him, and he wants to contribute. Any further actions can be discussed nearer the time.
Quinn is comfortable with it. General manager Adam Peters and the specialists Daniels visited are, too. As such, adopting a glass-half-empty approach while the season is in full swing is not an option.
Lingering self-doubt will have grave consequences attached.
Surgery might be next on the list after the campaign concludes, and nobody will be complaining about that. But until then, Daniels will focus on hitting his markers and proving he deserves to be under center.
And since this is on his non-throwing arm, Daniels wants that to happen sooner rather than later.
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