Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels left Sunday’s 40-7 win over the Carolina Panthers with an apparent rib injury.
On Sunday, the NFL’s premiere rookie got some good news as Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz reveals that initial tests on Daniels have shown no fractures to his ribs.
Daniels will be undergoing more tests Monday, but the initial news is good for the former Heisman winner. However, his status is not yet clear ahead of Sunday’s game against Chicago Bears as he’ll likely need managing throughout the week.
Speaking Monday, head coach Dan Quinn said: ‘The status for Jayden, we’ll put down as week-to-week. As you guys know, it is a rib injury. We’re hopeful he can play but also be sure to take every precautionary take for the player and the man.’
Daniels’ mother, Regina Jackson, posted on social media on Sunday the simple message, ‘He’s fine.’ Meanwhile, part owner Magic Johnson posted he’s ‘praying that Jayden Daniels’ injury is not serious!’
Daniels will be undergoing more tests Monday, but the initial news is good for the QB
Commanders QB Jayden Daniels (5) is tackled by Panthers linebacker Thomas Incoom
Seven games into what is turning into a season with playoff aspirations, the Commanders are 5-2 but so far have no clarity about Daniels.
‘Obviously, it’s going to take some time or whatever it is,’ said veteran Marcus Mariota, who replaced Daniels and threw for two touchdown passes and 205 yards. ‘We have no idea. But I think he was in good spirits, and for the most part you just check on him, how he’s doing and we’ll take it day to day.’
Daniels, who ran for 46 yards on the Commanders’ first offensive snap, took multiple hits on their opening drive — including a head-over-feet tumble on that play. It was not clear exactly when he was injured, with Quinn only sure it happened on that drive.
The No. 2 pick out of LSU and 2023 Heisman Trophy winner appeared to be in pain when leaving the field following a third-down completion before Austin Seibert’s field goal that gave Washington a 10-0 lead. He initially went to the bench but relocated to the blue medical tent for evaluation.
After Andy Dalton’s second interception of the first quarter, Daniels left the tent and went back onto the field to throw a few passes. He returned to the sideline and slammed his helmet to the turf before returning to the tent, and Mariota took control of the offense.
‘When you see him go down, that’s tough for us,’ top receiver Terry McLaurin said. ‘Marcus did a great job coming in.’
Towel in hand, Daniels then walked off the sideline and down the tunnel to the locker room.
