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Joon Kim, ESPN staff writer
ASHBURN, Va. – Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels did not practice Wednesday, but the rising star’s status for Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears remains uncertain.
Daniels, who injured his ribs in the first quarter of Sunday’s win over Carolina, was described by coach Dan Quinn on Monday as “week-to-week.”
However, the No. 1-ranked Leaders (5-2) are still hopeful that Daniels can play against Caleb Williams and the Bears (4-2) in a matchup between the top two players selected in this year’s NFL draft.
Marcus Mariota, who replaced Daniels against Carolina, will start Sunday if Daniels cannot play.
Daniels is scheduled to receive treatment Wednesday and can participate in meetings and orientations, Quinn said. Quinn did not say whether Daniels would practice Thursday or Friday, adding that he would address the rookie’s status again after practice on Friday.
“I want to make sure he can fully express himself and do all the things that he does, which makes him so unique and special,” Quinn said.
Daniels has received praise since the spring for his preparation and how quickly he handles Washington’s offense. He arrives at the facility around 5 a.m., and often gives his own tour an hour or so later, according to multiple sources. He has continued to use virtual reality technology to help him prepare for games, which he started doing at LSU last year.
Wednesday marked the first Leaders practice that Daniels has not been able to participate in since being drafted in the spring.
“The good news for him is that there are a lot of actors based on things he did very well,” Quinn said.
Daniels suffered the injury on his first play from scrimmage, a 46-yard run around right end where he was tackled from the side by one defender and from behind by another. Daniels fell awkwardly. He finished the series, but before the next possession, he attempted to throw a warm-up pass, drove toward the sideline and slammed his helmet into the turf.
Mariota completed 18 of 23 passes for 205 yards and two touchdowns in the 40-7 win over Carolina.
“We’ve seen him play, I know he’s a great player,” linebacker Bobby Wagner said of Mariota. “I know all he does is prepare and wait for his chance and that’s what happened. He took advantage and played the game we see him play all the time.”
Meanwhile, Quinn said Daniels’ behavior “was great, just as you would expect.” Quinn added that Daniels would not hesitate to return due to the match involving Williams.
“It’s about him and being willing to get ready and help our team,” Quinn said. “That’s why a lot of his teammates gravitate towards him.”
Williams downplayed the story of the 2024 No. 1 pick versus the No. 2 pick, saying his “job is to win games on Thursday, Sunday and Monday. That’s it.” Williams added that he wants Daniels to play on Sunday when asked if he would be disappointed if Daniels is sidelined with an injury.
“No. I hope he plays,” Williams said. “Obviously you don’t want to see good, great players go down, not in matches. It just makes the game better. But no, I’m not counting on that match.”
Mariota, the No. 2 pick in the 2015 draft, said he could share his experience with Daniels after missing four games as a rookie.
“First and foremost, be smart and understand what’s most important,” Mariota said. “Early in my career, I was too caught up in, ‘I have to play this week, I have to play this week.’ Sometimes the focus is on your long-term health.”
ESPN’s Courtney Cronin contributed to this report.
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