Commanders QB Jayden Daniels Set to Face Vikings

ASHBURN, Va. — Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, who hasn’t performed since dislocating his left elbow Nov. 9, will begin Sunday towards the Minnesota Vikings, coach Dan Quinn stated Friday.

Daniels, who was a full participant in follow Thursday and Friday, will face the NFL’s fifth-rated passing protection in Minnesota (4-8). The Commanders (3-9) have misplaced seven consecutive video games.

Quinn stated it was a bunch choice to start out Daniels this week, a bunch that included the medical employees and Daniels himself. Quinn stated they did a whole lot of post-practice work with contact, and “the throwing half, he is been on that the entire time. That is appeared as sharp as ever.”

He additionally stated it was necessary for Daniels to play once more contemplating there are 5 video games remaining and he’s solely in his second season.

“It is necessary for him, for his teammates,” Quinn stated. “All these [games] matter. As he is growing, there are particular issues he has to work on, too, to be as aggressive and deal with issues.”

Daniels agreed with that sentiment — and wasn’t swayed by arguments he ought to sit so he can get to subsequent 12 months wholesome.

“Who’s to say I am not going to enter subsequent 12 months wholesome?” he stated. “We take it sooner or later at a time and earlier than I used to be getting paid I used to be taking part in it without cost. I’ve that keenness for the sport. I am a younger man, I am nonetheless attempting to develop, nonetheless attempting to be taught. These video games are important.”

David Blough, who’s dealing with the quarterback coach duties after Tavita Pritchard was named head coach at Stanford, stated they might help Daniels with play calls however they’ve reminded him typically of his significance to the group.

“Serving to him see large image is basically necessary,” stated Blough, the assistant quarterbacks coach since 2024. “He is an elite competitor; that is his superpower. We even have to guard him and assist him perceive the longevity wanted on this league.”

Daniels has performed in elements of six video games this season due to a number of accidents. He missed two video games with a sprained left knee, which was hit on the finish of a scramble in Week 2 towards the Inexperienced Bay Packers. He missed one recreation after injuring his proper hamstring on a play within the pocket in Week 7 towards the Dallas Cowboys.

Then, in Week 9 towards the Seattle Seahawks, Daniels scrambled after faking a handoff and eschewing a move whereas trailing 38-7 with simply over seven minutes left within the recreation. When tackled, he braced his fall along with his left elbow, which bought bent backward.

X-rays have been detrimental and an MRI revealed no structural harm, fueling hope for his return. Daniels stated he actually solely felt the ache in his elbow for 2 days.

Daniels, final season’s NFL Offensive Rookie of the 12 months, has thrown for 1,184 yards with eight touchdowns and two interceptions. He has run for 262 yards and two scores.

He additionally endured extra obstacles in 12 months 2 than as a rookie.

“It has been a whole lot of adversity, however I am younger in my profession and it is one thing I’ve bought to battle via,” he stated. “You undergo adversity sooner or later, so that you attempt to climate the storm and see the sunshine on the finish of the tunnel.”

Sunday additionally would be the first time since Week 2 that Washington could have its high three receivers plus Daniels accessible for a recreation.

Noah Brown, who suffered a groin harm in that recreation, is predicted to play Sunday; he’ll probably be activated off injured reserve Saturday. Terry McLaurin returned final week after lacking seven of the earlier eight video games with a proper quad harm. Deebo Samuel, who has missed just one recreation, leads Washington with 58 receptions for 534 yards and 5 touchdowns.

With Daniels, Quinn stated they need him to proceed studying easy methods to play and shield himself on the sphere.

“You wish to assault first; that is who he’s as a ballplayer and competitor,” Quinn stated, “and also you wish to make nice selections: When is the time this play has to get prolonged, when can I throw it away, when can I slide? All are necessary elements of the event. That is why it issues.”