Jayden Daniels has taken over the city of Washington with a storm. However, his continued absence has put a dent in the excitement of fans.
Last week, the Washington Commanders quarterback suffered a rib injury that has kept him out of practice for two consecutive days. With the clash against the Chicago Bears mere days away, fans are fearing the worst.
Commanders Fans in Shambles as Jayden Daniels Misses Practice Again
The 2023 Heisman Trophy winner suffered his rub injury on the opening drive against the Carolina Panthers last week. Initially, the injury was suspected to be a minor one, but with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft missing practice on Thursday, many believe it to be more serious than originally thought.
“For the second straight day, no Jayden Daniels,” reported NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Commanders fans then started having a meltdown suggesting that Daniels might not suit up for the Week 8 matchup.
For the second straight day, no Jayden Daniels… https://t.co/3uwKqWbPJR
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet)
“Yeah, he’s not playing,” replied one fan.
Yeah he’s not playing https://t.co/FBJPVFzhTD
— NY Sports Fan🗽 (@realskiinggoat)
“He is not playing bro,” another fan added.
“He’s out this week,” wrote one fan on X (previously Twitter).
“Has it ever been more over?” replied one fan.
Has it ever been more over? https://t.co/pfUq2SCzXL
— 𝙹𝚘𝚜𝚎𝚙𝚑 🖤 (@PIayoffOlave)
Some fans were disappointed that they would not be able to witness the much-awaited clash between the top two rookies. Soon after the schedules were released, this game was billed as a battle between Caleb Williams and Daniels.
“Smh… I want a Caleb and Jayden showdown,” wrote one fan.
“WE WERE ROBBED OF A MASTERCLASS,” replied another.
WE WERE ROBBED OF A MASTERCLASS pic.twitter.com/mmVdWQsUJL
— BOOG (@BoogCB)
Dan Quinn Provides Timeline To Make Call on Daniels
Through his first NFL games, Daniels has 1,404 yards passing and six touchdowns under his belt.
Commanders head coach Dan Quinn understands the value Daniels brings to his team. Thus, despite not practicing, Daniels is still allowed to mix it up with the team.
“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 to ESPN.
The Washington HC added that he will make a final decision on whether Daniels will play against the Bears or not after Friday’s practice session. If Daniels misses the game against Williams, it will be Marcus Mariota who takes his place as the Commanders’ starting QB.
Mariota — like Daniels and Williams — is a Heisman Trophy winner (2014). And further like his teammate Daniels, Mariota was the No. 2 pick in the NFL Draft (2015).
