How long should Commanders QB Jayden Daniels play in the 2024 preseason?

Jayden Daniels is just a few short weeks away from taking the field for his regular-season debut at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Washington Commanders haven't named him as their starting quarterback just yet, but it's inevitable. Nothing else makes sense after how things have unfolded throughout the offseason.

Daniels has been an absolute revelation since the Commanders took him at No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. It's a gradual process for the Heisman Trophy winner, the next step of which comes during Washington's preseason opener at the New York Jets on Saturday.

Dan Quinn confirmed Daniels will play at MetLife Stadium. Whether that'll be as the starter or coming in a little later hasn't been determined, but it's the biggest opportunity yet for the first-rounder to put the NFL on notice.

How much will Commanders QB Jayden Daniels play in the preseason?

The Commanders will err on the side of caution with Daniels. The signal-caller represents their biggest investment for years, so taking every possible precaution is essential before Week 1. At the same time, the need to get him some live fire in a game-day setting is another integral part of his development.

Expect to see Daniels on the field for a couple of drives, but nothing more than that. Washington could do the same over the next two preseason games, which also includes the former LSU star's opening bow at Commanders Field against the New England Patriots. This will give the player experience while minimizing risks - the perfect combination.

Daniels is placing his trust in Quinn and general manager Adam Peters to have the correct plan in place. The dual-threat weapon is keeping the same mindset and is keen to embrace this latest challenge when the time comes. More importantly, he wants the team to collectively improve based on comments via the team's website.

"Going out there will be a different challenge for not just me, but the whole team, going against someone you're not familiar with. How sharp can we be, how fast can we execute our offense, limit the presnap penalties and postsnap penalties and just go out there and execute at a high level. I trust them [Dan Quinn and general manager Adam Peters] fully with their plan and stuff like that, bringing me along. So, that's up to them at this point. But for me, I just go out there and [say], 'How can I better myself each and every day?' And just go out there and compete hard."

- Jayden Daniels via Commanders.com

The Commanders and Daniels know that this is a small piece of the puzzle. What happens when the real action arrives will be more telling. However, preseason represents an opportunity to get a good feel for the speed of an NFL game for the first time. The pace is quicker and the margins are finer. Any experience the Cajon High School product can accumulate is beneficial.

Kliff Kingsbury isn't going to open his playbook significantly at this early juncture. Daniels will get conservative play calls when on the field. There aren't going to be any designed quarterback runs, or at least there shouldn't be. The offensive coordinator should go with easy completions and focus his attention on his man under center getting the football out quickly.

If Daniels achieves this, it's mission accomplished. If he can build some extra momentum by leading a touchdown drive or two, that's a massive bonus.

Fans are eagerly anticipating Daniels donning the famous Commanders' uniform. It won't be for long, but the excitement is palpable nonetheless.

The future starts now.

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