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John Keim, ESPN editor
ASHBURN, Va. — Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels did not practice Wednesday, but the star rookie’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 called “week to week” by coach Dan Quinn on Monday.
The first-place Commanders (5-2), however, remain hopeful that Daniels can play against Caleb Williams and the Bears (4-2) in a game between the top two players selected in this year’s NFL Draft .
Marcus Mariota, who replaced Daniels against Carolina, would start Sunday if Daniels cannot play.
Quinn said Daniels was scheduled to receive treatment Wednesday and could attend meetings and tours. Quinn did not say whether Daniels would practice Thursday or Friday, adding that he would address the rookie’s status again after Friday’s practice.
“I want to make sure he can fully express himself and do everything he does that makes him so unique and special,” Quinn said.
Daniels has earned praise since the spring for his preparation and the speed with which he took over Washington’s offense. He arrives at the facility around 5 a.m. and often makes his own visit about an hour later, according to multiple sources. He continued to use virtual reality technology to help him prepare for games, something he started doing at LSU last year.
Wednesday marked the first Commanders practice Daniels couldn’t attend since he was drafted in the spring.
“The good news for him is there’s a lot of rep in the bank for things he’s done exceptionally well,” Quinn said.
Daniels was injured on his first play from scrimmage, a 46-yard run around right end in which he was tackled sideways by one defender and from behind by another. Daniels fell awkwardly. He finished the series, but before the next possession, he tried to throw a warm-up pass, grimaced, walked to 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 saw him play; I know he’s a great player,” Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner said of Mariota. “I know all he does is prepare and wait for his opportunity and that’s what happened. He took advantage of the opportunity and played the game we see him play all the time.
Meanwhile, Quinn said Daniels’ attitude had “been fantastic, as you would expect.” Quinn added that Daniels wouldn’t be convinced to return because of the match featuring Williams.
“It’s about him and his willingness to prepare and help our team,” Quinn said. “That’s why so many of his teammates gravitate towards him.”
Williams downplayed the storylines of the 2024 No. 1 pick versus No. 2 pick matchup, saying his “job is to go out and win games on Thursdays, Sundays and Mondays.” That’s it.” Williams added that he wanted Daniels to play Sunday when asked if he would be disappointed if Daniels was sidelined with injury.
“No. I hope he plays,” Williams said. “Obviously you don’t want to see good, great players go down, not in games. It only makes the game better. But no, I don’t depend on this match.
Mariota, the No. 2 pick in the 2015 draft, said he can share his experience with Daniels after missing four games as a rookie.
“First and foremost, you just have to be smart and understand what’s most important,” Mariota said. “At the beginning of my career, you get upset a lot, saying, ‘I have to play this week, I have to play this week.’ Sometimes it’s about focusing on your long-term health.
ESPN’s Courtney Cronin contributed to this report.