As the Washington Commanders prepare for their Week 8 matchup against the Chicago Bears, all eyes have been on rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Slated to go head-to-head with Chicago’s Caleb Williams—the top pick in the 2024 NFL Draft—Daniels’ status remains uncertain after suffering a rib injury in last week’s decisive win over the Carolina Panthers.
The potential absence of Daniels, the Offensive Rookie of the Year frontrunner, has dampened the anticipation of fans all saying the same thing and hoping to see the two top rookies face off.
Daniels exited last Sunday’s game on the opening drive after taking a hit to his ribs, handing the reins to backup quarterback Marcus Mariota. Mariota seized the opportunity, leading Washington to a dominant victory over the Panthers. Should Daniels be unavailable, Mariota is expected to step in as starter against Chicago.
Despite the setback, Daniels expressed his desire to play but emphasized that his health and long-term career come first.