The Chicago Bears are set to play the Washington Commanders today with all eyes on the status of Commanders' rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Despite not practicing for most of the week after suffering a rib injury against the Carolina Panthers last Sunday, Daniels entered the weekend as a gametime decision for the game against the Bears. Daniels was not spotted at Commanders' practice this past Friday but Washington head coach Dan Quinn did say that the quarterback was able to get some work in.
Even with Daniels participating in Friday's practice, there remained momentum toward Marcus Mariota starting for the Commanders on Sunday. That momentum apparently shifted overnight as multiple reports now point toward Daniels being the quarterback for the Commanders on Sunday.
Commanders still will need to see how Daniels is feeling Sunday in pregame warmups before making any final determination about whether he can start. But as one team official told ESPN said about Daniels: "He's one tough-ass dude.” The signs are strong. https://t.co/temZd25Sel
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 27, 2024
Is Jayden Daniels playing today?
If the latest reports are true, Daniels will indeed be the starting quarterback for the Commanders on Sunday against the Bears.
If Daniels does indeed start for the Commanders, this will increase the need for the Bears' defense to get to the quarterback. Even if Daniels does play, chances are there will still be some lingering pain from the rib injury he is playing through. It will be interesting to see if the full playbook is open to Daniels. Part of what has made Daniels' rookie season successful is his ability to make plays with his feet.
The #Commanders will make a team decision on whether QB Jayden Daniels plays today, but sources say there is a realistic chance he does against the #Bears.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 27, 2024
They’ll want to see how he feels when he arrives at the stadium and he’ll likely do a pre-game warmup. But he’s got a shot. pic.twitter.com/tO8M1BnrrL
Daniels playing on Sunday does add another layer of concern over the Bears' current injury report. The Bears will be without Jaquan Brisker and Kyler Gordon on Sunday. While the loss of Brisker may lead Daniels to continue his trend of testing defensive secondaries downfield, Gordon not being able to play may have a greater impact. Gordon has essentially served as a strong-side linebacker while serving as the team's nickelback. Gordon would have been an important matchup in terms of forcing Daniels to remain in the pocket.