Jayden Daniels' rib injury left everyone feeling a sense of trepidation despite routing the Carolina Panthers in Week 7. The quarterback played just one possession before being taken out of the firing line. It was a nervous wait for further developments, but the initial prognosis was pretty encouraging all things considered.
The No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft is week-to-week according to head coach Dan Quinn. Daniels is hoping to and will do everything he can to take the field in Week 8 against the Chicago Bears, but the Washington Commanders will be cautious with their franchise player before concluding.
Much will depend on how Daniels practices - and for how long - this week. He'll be on the injury report throughout, that's a guarantee. If the former LSU star doesn't take the field by Thursday or Friday, it's a safe bet he won't feature.
Fans are optimistic. CBS will also be hoping Daniels makes it after flexing his first NFL clash with Caleb Williams to their prime late afternoon slot. That won't matter to the Commanders, who always keep the long-term implications in mind when making every decision under the new regime.
Commanders QB Jayden Daniels' status in Week 8 'very much in doubt'
Things are hanging in the balance right now. Ian Rapoport from the NFL Network lent weight to this, stating that Daniels' situation is precarious and could legitimately go either way.
"His status is now very much in doubt. It's not a major injury. This is not something that's going to keep him out multiple games. But my understanding, this is something to monitor. Something to watch. Something that really depends on how he responds to treatment. This is their franchise quarterback. This is someone who's clearly altered the face of their entire organization. They're going to be more cautious than anything when it comes to putting him on the field this Sunday."Ian Rapoport, NFL Network
#Commanders QB Jayden Daniels, dealing with a rib injury, has his status up in the air for the showdown against Caleb Williams and the #Bears. pic.twitter.com/eJMLcFzbel
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 22, 2024
Marcus Mariota filled in admirably for Daniels. It was only the Panthers, so whether the veteran could do the same versus an opportunistic Bears defense is another matter.
Washington's accomplished staff is adopting a wait-and-see approach. But make no mistake, they won't hesitate to rule the Heisman Trophy winner out if there is any semblance of discomfort or risk of further complications emerging.
The Commanders have a good chance of making the postseason regardless of how their game in Week 8 goes. Results are important at this stage. At the same time, Washington has a little bit of leeway to take a sensible approach with Daniels without jeopardizing their overall 2024 outlook this weekend.
Daniels is a competitor. He wants to play. He wants to continue his remarkable start to cement his claims for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. He wants to help his teammates through what promises to be a difficult contest. But that's not up to him when push comes to shove.
Watch this space…