Jayden Daniels is back on the field, at least in a limited capacity, as Washington fans and fantasy football managers alike hold their breath for his official status this week. After missing time with a concerning setback in Week 9, his return to practice is a promising sign. The Commanders have yet to confirm his availability, keeping everyone guessing ahead of a crucial stretch run.
What does this mean for your fantasy lineup heading into Week 13?
Jayden Daniels Injury Update
Daniels is expected to return to practice this week after suffering a dislocated elbow in the Washington Commanders’ Week 9 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. The second-year quarterback has said in interviews that he expects to be on the field if he’s healthy enough to play.
Daniels is considered a long shot to suit up in Week 13, but he does have a chance to see the field. Marcus Mariota would be the starter if Daniels is unable to play.
— PFSN Fantasy Football Analyst Dan Fornek
Daniels Fantasy Outlook
It’s believed to be a long shot that Daniels (elbow) suits up this week, but a return to practice does point to a return sooner than later.
We could debate about the rationale that goes into that decision, but at the end of the day, that’s not our job. This season, he has a rush TD or multiple passing scores in four of six games, and while it hasn’t looked the same as his standout rookie season, a healthy version of him is a fantasy asset.
READ MORE: Soppe’s Week 13 Fantasy Football Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em: Analysis for Every Player in Every Game
After this week, the Commanders go Vikings-Giants-Eagles-Cowboys to close the fantasy season. We catch a break with the second Philadelphia game coming in Week 18, and the other three opponents over that stretch don’t scare me in a major way.
We can address the Eagles matchup in Week 16 (a Saturday kickoff) when the time comes, but if he returns next week on the fast track in Minnesota, I anticipate having him ranked as a starter in all formats.
— PFSN Fantasy Football Analyst Kyle Soppe
