Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels will return to observe this week however is taken into account a longshot to play vs. the Broncos on Sunday evening, coach Dan Quinn mentioned.
Daniels has not but been cleared for contact. He is not performed since dislocating his left, non-throwing elbow in a loss to Seattle on Nov. 2. Daniels didn’t require surgical procedure nor was there any structural harm to his elbow. The Commanders didn’t place him on injured reserve, indicating hope on the time for a potential return.
Quinn mentioned they didn’t talk about internally shutting Daniels down for the season. On the time of the harm Washington fell to 3-6. The Commanders are actually 3-8 heading into Sunday’s matchup vs. Denver (9-2) however have misplaced six consecutive video games.
Quinn mentioned he is nonetheless undecided when Daniels will return.
“It is necessary that Jayden’s getting going, studying to play this place on the highest stage competitively,” Quinn mentioned. “Additionally doing it safely. These are reps that you simply develop as nicely. It is a ability similar to throwing and processing. All these issues are necessary.”
Daniels has already missed 5 video games this season due to three totally different accidents. He sat out Weeks 3 and 4 with a sprained left knee, after it was hit by a defender’s helmet on the finish of a run.
He returned for 3 video games then suffered a proper hamstring harm on a sack vs. Dallas in Week 7. Daniels then returned for one sport earlier than struggling the elbow harm with 7:39 remaining and Washington trailing the Seahawks 38-7. The drive started with 12:30 remaining within the sport.
Afterward, Quinn mentioned he didn’t remorse leaving Daniels within the sport however mentioned the following day he ought to have eliminated him earlier.
Washington stays a longshot to make the playoffs. However, Quinn mentioned, they nonetheless need Daniels to play so he can enhance.
“You are simply obtained to attempt to do what’s greatest for the participant,” Quinn mentioned. “We all know what we’re trying to do and the way we wish to do it, however on no account are we careless about that. It is necessary not only for Jayden, however necessary for our total group.”
If Daniels returns, it will assist him to have a full complement of receivers. Washington opened the 21-day window for receiver Noah Brown, who has not performed since Week 2 due to a groin harm. He missed most of coaching camp with groin and knee points.
Terry McLaurin, who has missed seven of the final eight video games due to a quad harm, might return quickly although Quinn mentioned he isn’t but positive when that may occur. McLaurin accompanied the group to Madrid, Spain to proceed his on-field rehab work.
Daniels left one sport with a damaged rib in 2024 however didn’t miss any video games. He was pulled from the season finale with what Quinn mentioned was a minor leg pressure that was not a problem when observe started for the Wild Card spherical of the playoffs the next week.
In six video games this season Daniels — the 2024 NFL offensive rookie of the 12 months — has thrown for 1,184 yards, eight touchdowns and two interceptions. He is additionally run for 262 yards and two scores.
Quinn mentioned they’d wish to see the projected beginning offense collectively to be taught extra about what they want transferring ahead. For Daniels, a part of what they wish to see is him taking part in the place as “safely as he presumably can.”
“There is a ability that goes with that,” Quinn mentioned.