All eyes will be on Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels after the bye week. Debates have been raging about when, or if, the dynamic signal-caller would feature again this season. But that didn't stop him from sending fans into a frenzy with a shocking claim.
The Commanders didn't place Daniels on injured reserve with a dislocated elbow. There was no structural or ligament damage, which represented the best-case scenario after a scary-looking complication. The timeline was reportedly between three and six weeks, but some experts didn't think it was worth putting him in the firing line with Washington playing for nothing other than pride.
There are valid arguments for both. However, Daniels is ultra-competitive. If he's healthy enough to compete and help his teammates, he wants to be out there.
Jayden Daniels plans to make Commanders return in Week 13 against the Broncos
According to the player, he could even be on the field in Week 13 when the Commanders host the Denver Broncos on Sunday Night Football.
Brandon Aiyuk, who's a close friend of Daniels' from their time together at Arizona State, FaceTimed the signal-caller during a social media video. The wide receiver asked the No. 2 pick in 2024 if he would be back this week, and the answer was a resounding yes.
🚨Brandon Aiyuk calls Jayden Daniels on FaceTime & shows him the watch he bought him.
Brandon then asks Jayden when he will be back from injury:
Jayden: “I’m back this weekend” 🤯 🤯🤯#jaydendaniels #brandonaiyuk #nfl #49ers #raisehail #fttb #commanders pic.twitter.com/CQGnsutBHo
— CulturedUpdates (@CulturedUpdatez) November 22, 2025
This was surprising. Not many thought Daniels would get back so quickly. Nothing has been confirmed as yet, but he's clearly confident of passing specific tests after a prolonged rest period to take his place back in the lineup.
The Commanders would have a simple decision to make if Daniels practices throughout the week. Denver boasts one of the most formidable pass-rushing units anywhere in the league, but head coach Dan Quinn cannot be scared to throw the LSU product into the prime-time fire once again.
Daniels is bullish. He urged Aiyuk, who could be joining his old college teammate in Washington next season if he's released by the San Francisco 49ers as expected, to tune in. He clearly feels he is making encouraging progress, which represents the most encouraging sign yet that the Commanders will get their franchise player back on the field much sooner than initially anticipated.
It remains a wait-and-see scenario. The Commanders will still approach Daniels with extreme caution. Taking things step by step is key, and the Heisman Trophy winner will only be risked if there is 100 percent confidence in his outlook.
The Broncos will be preparing for both Daniels and Marcus Mariota, especially after this revelation. But when it seemed all hope was lost, fans got something positive to latch onto.