ASHBURN, Va. — Washington's starting quarterback Jayden Daniels was sidelined Sunday with a rib injury in the first quarter of the game against the Panthers, and Commanders fans have been eagerly awaiting a status update on his ability to play Week 8. The team will take on the Chicago Bears and the first overall pick in the 2024 Draft, DMV native Caleb Williams, at Northwest Stadium.
Head coach Dan Quinn spoke about Daniels' health and status in a news conference Monday afternoon, saying it was too early to definitively say whether the QB would take the field.
"We are going to take it week to week and see if he can play this Sunday," Quinn said. "We are hopeful he can play but we're going to keep an eye on him."
The Commanders emerged victorious against the Carolina Panthers by a final score of 40-7 on Sunday. Daniels left the game in the first quarter because of an apparent rib injury. Quinn confirmed
Daniels, who ran for 46 yards on the Commanders’ first offensive snap, took multiple hits on their opening drive — including a head-over-feet tumble on that play. According to coach Quinn, Daniels fell awkwardly during the opening play.
While the rookie was able to finish out the play, he was benched for the remainder of the game.
"We'll see where he is, going through the steps at practice this week and we'll make a decision as we go," Quinn said.
When asked what he needed to see from Daniels to make him comfortable to put him in this Sunday's game, Quinn responded with, "the movements, the throwing, and all the stuff that goes with that. I know he'll do everything he can, but I'll trust my eyes and certainly know him well, so we'll take it every step of the way."
Now at 5-2, the Commanders are seven games into a season with playoff implications. Daniels has been a big part of the reason why.
Backup quarterback Marcus Mariota replaced Daniels. He threw for two touchdown passes and 205 yards.
"For [Mariota] to step into that space, it was an important win, certainly not a great one, with players being injured," Quinn said. "I think that goes a long way, of being ready and all things that happen when no one's watching. Staying after practice and running those 2 minute drills just in case you're ever called in at that 2 minute mark."
Now all eyes shift toward the showdown with Chicago on Oct. 27. The Bears are coming off a bye week and are sitting at 4-2, with three straight wins. If Daniels is healthy, it will be a matchup between quarterbacks drafted with the top two picks this year. Both Daniels and Williams have also won Heisman Trophies.