All signs point to Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels playing Sunday against the Chicago Bears, league sources told ESPN.
However, the Commanders will want to see how Daniels feels Sunday in pregame warmups before making a final decision on whether or not he can start. But as one team on record told ESPN, he said of Daniels: “He’s a tough guy.”
If Daniels overcomes his rib shock and plays, as he is trying to do, it will create a fight between the respective Refuses this season. 1 and Reject. 2 draft picks: Chicago quarterback Caleb Williams and Daniels.
Daniels is officially listed as questionable for Sunday’s home game against the Bears. The Heisman Trophy winner did not participate on Wednesday or Thursday, but was a restricted player on Friday and stopped by Washington’s practice on Saturday.
Daniels is said to recognize the importance and use of a game against Williams and how ruthlessly the competition will affect Washington’s season. The Commanders (5-2) entered the NFC East’s first park on Sunday, a half-game ahead of the Philadelphia Eagles (4-2).
“He would want to play if his right leg was missing,” the original team told ESPN.
Commanders’ School Teacher Dan Quinn said Daniels “really stepped up” on Friday and that the group would “let our eyes decide how he responds over the next 48 hours.”
“That will guide us and we will make the best decision for him and the team,” Quinn said Friday.
Daniels said Friday that he feels great and wants to play, but said “it’s not my decision.”
Daniels injured his rib in his first games from scrimmage in last Sunday’s win over the Carolina Panthers. He was replaced by Marcus Mariota, who completed 18 of 23 passes for 205 yards and two touchdowns.
