NFL Rumors: Jayden Daniels ‘1 Tough-Ass Dude’ and ‘Signs Point’ to Playing vs. Bears

Paul KasabianFeatured Columnist IIOctober 27, 2024

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Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels will play Sunday against Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears.

Ian Rapoport @RapSheet#Commanders QB Jayden Daniels, questionable with a rib cartilage injury, will start against the #Bears. pic.twitter.com/vfQSSNMAKq

ESPN’s Adam Schefter previously cited a Commanders official who called Daniels “one tough-ass dude” and said “he’d want to play if he were missing his right leg.”

Tracy Wolfson @tracywolfsonJust spoke with Dan Quinn. He feels really good with where Jayden is at and how he looked in that Friday practice. He will still workout pregame but barring a last minute setback Jayden Daniels will start today. #Commanders

The former LSU star and 2023 Heisman Trophy winner suffered a rib injury in the first quarter of his team’s 40-7 win over the Carolina Panthers on Oct. 20 and soon exited the game.

Daniels didn’t practice the following Wednesday or Thursday but turned in a limited session Friday.

The No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft has been a bona fide superstar for the Commanders, completing an NFL-high 75.6 percent of his passes for 1,410 yards, six touchdowns and just two interceptions through his first seven starts. Daniels also got it down on the ground, rushing for 372 yards and four touchdowns.

Thanks largely because of his efforts, Washington began the year 5-2, good enough for first place in the NFC East.

Should Daniels miss time against the Bears, the Commanders would turn to Marcus Mariota, who took over for QB1 against Carolina. The 10-year veteran completed 18-of-23 passes for 205 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 34 yards in the 33-point win.