Washington Commanders rookie QB Jayden Daniels misses practice because of his rib injury

ASHBURN, Va. (AP) — Jayden Daniels missed Washington Commanders practice Wednesday because of a rib injury, casting further doubt on his availability to play this weekend against Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears in what’s supposed to be a matchup of the top two quarterbacks in the 2024 draft.

Coach Dan Quinn called Daniels “week to week” after the No. 2 pick and 2023 Heisman Trophy winner was injured in a 40-7 rout of Carolina that got the Commanders to 5-2 this season. Daniels took a big hit and went down awkwardly at the end of his first run, left early in the second quarter and was replaced by veteran Marcus Mariota.

“He’ll continue in all the meetings and our individual stuff to go through that, but he’ll get the treatment today and then he’ll continue to progress through today and tomorrow,” Quinn said, while adding he will provide the next update on Daniels after practice Friday.

**Washington Commanders Rookie QB Jayden Daniels Misses Practice Due to Rib Injury**

The Washington Commanders’ rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels has missed practice this week due to a rib injury, raising concerns about his readiness for the team’s upcoming games. Daniels, a highly-touted prospect, had been making strides in training camp and preseason, but his injury now casts uncertainty on both his immediate playing status and his role in the team’s evolving quarterback situation.

### The Injury

Details surrounding the rib injury remain scarce, but it is clear that Daniels’ absence from practice is a precautionary measure. Rib injuries can be tricky, especially for quarterbacks, whose throwing motion places significant stress on the upper body. While rib injuries can vary in severity—from bruising to fractures—team officials have not provided specifics, leading to speculation about how long Daniels may be sidelined.

Ribs are critical to a quarterback’s ability to throw accurately and with velocity. A quarterback who is unable to fully rotate or extend their torso due to pain or discomfort would struggle to perform at a high level. Therefore, the Commanders are likely taking a cautious approach, focusing on allowing Daniels to rest and recover before determining if he can resume full activity.

### Daniels’ Progression and Impact

Before the injury, Jayden Daniels was steadily climbing the depth chart after an impressive preseason showing. The former LSU and Arizona State quarterback had impressed both coaches and fans with his athleticism, arm strength, and leadership qualities. His blend of mobility and strong decision-making made him an intriguing option for the Commanders, especially given the team’s need for a dynamic presence under center.

However, the injury comes at a critical time. The Commanders have been dealing with quarterback instability in recent years, with injuries and inconsistent play often derailing their offensive plans. Daniels, as a rookie, was expected to learn from incumbent quarterbacks Sam Howell and Jacoby Brissett, but his rise through the ranks made it plausible that he could contribute sooner rather than later. His injury now forces the coaching staff to reassess their options for both practice and potentially game-day rotations.

### The Quarterback Situation in Washington

The Commanders’ quarterback depth chart has been in flux for several seasons. Sam Howell, the team’s 2023 starting quarterback, is still a work in progress, showing flashes of potential but also inconsistency. Behind him, veteran Jacoby Brissett was signed to provide stability and depth, offering both experience and leadership. Daniels was seen as a developmental project, though his performance in the offseason had some fans speculating that he could challenge for playing time as early as this season.

With Daniels out of practice, the spotlight shifts to Howell and Brissett, who will now likely receive more reps as the team prepares for its next game. Howell, who has the most experience with the first-team offense, is expected to continue as the starter, but Brissett’s role as a reliable backup becomes even more crucial in the event of an injury.

### Looking Ahead

The Commanders’ coaching staff will closely monitor Daniels’ recovery. Rib injuries can often be difficult to predict in terms of healing time, as the injury could range from a minor contusion to something more serious, such as a rib fracture. The team will likely take a conservative approach in order to ensure that Daniels doesn’t rush back too soon, potentially risking further injury.

As for the 2024 season, Daniels’ potential role remains uncertain. If his recovery goes as planned, he could return to practice in time to continue developing, though it’s unlikely he will see significant playing time unless a starter goes down. For now, the Commanders will focus on their available quarterbacks, while hoping for a quick and full recovery for Daniels.