Former LSU QB Jayden Daniels dealing with rib injury, status up in the air for game vs. Bears
Rookie quarterback sensation Jayden Daniels is week to week as he deals with a rib injury sustained in last weekend’s game. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport provided an update on Daniels’ status Tuesday, reporting that while the injury is not considered serious, it’s something the Washington Commanders are monitoring closely ahead of this weekend’s matchup against the Chicago Bears.
The injury isn’t expected to keep Daniels sidelined for an extended period, but his status for Sunday remains uncertain. According to Rapoport, Daniels’ status will depend on how he responds to treatment throughout the week.
“We’ll take him through all the steps at practice and assess how he’s doing and keep working it through that,” Commanders coach Dan Quinn said Monday. “We’re hopeful he can play, but we’ll also make sure to take every precautionary step and do it smartly for the player and the man.”
Sunday’s game has attracted extra attention because it puts the NFL’s top two draft picks—Daniels and Bears quarterback Caleb Williams—against each other for the first time, and both teams are performing well early in the season. As a result, the NFL has flexed the game to a more prominent 3:25 p.m. CT time slot, showing the significance of this matchup.
Top 10
- 1Hot
Strength of Schedule
Ranking SOS of CFP Top 25
- 2New
Deion Sanders
Opposing view of Prime to NFL
- 3
ACC commish fires back
Jim Phillips calls out CFP committee
- 4
Cignetti responds
Hoosiers HC fires back at SEC
- 5Trending
Ray Lewis
FAU sources respond to Ray Lewis report from ESPN
Daniels has made an immediate impact in Washington, revitalizing the franchise in just a few games. His poise and athleticism have given the Commanders a new direction, and his presence on the field has helped elevate the team’s performance. However, the team is expected to proceed with caution regarding his injury. Rapoport emphasized that the Commanders are “more cautious than anything” about rushing Daniels back into action before he’s fully ready, particularly given his importance to the team’s long-term success.
“He’s such a unique player that I want to make sure he can be him fully in his own way,” Quinn added about Daniels, “I know he’ll do everything he can, but I’ll trust my eyes. Like I said, we’ll take it every step of the way.”
Daniels has led Washington to an early 5-2 record in his first NFL season. The No. 2 overall pick has thrown for 1,410 yards with six touchdown passes and just two interceptions, with a league-high 75.6 completion percentage. He’s also added 372 rushing yards and four scores on the ground, showcasing his dual-threat capability that made him a Heisman Trophy winner at LSU.
