Jayden Daniels is making his triumphant return to practice this week. The Washington Commanders have not cleared the quarterback for contact yet, but this next step will allow him to get back into the groove before potentially featuring down the stretch.
That issue has been a subject of fierce debate among fans and experts alike. Some fans are worried about what another serious injury would do to the signal-caller's long-term outlook, especially in relatively meaningless games. Others think Daniels needs the reps, given that head coach Dan Quinn wants to alter the way he conducts himself on the field slightly.
And that seems almost guaranteed, despite the pleas from concerned supporters.
Jayden Daniels confirmed that he'll play for the Commanders again this season
Daniels' return to practice sooner than expected after dislocating his elbow against the Seattle Seahawks is encouraging. And the player confirmed what Commanders fans always expected: he wants to get back, and sooner rather than later.
"If I'm healthy and ready to go, I want to be out there. It's a day-by-day process. Kind of just getting back in the rhythm of things and the flow of things. It's my second year in the NFL; you learn a lot of different things. It wouldn't be my first time going through adversity. It's important as a player. You want to go back and play as a competitor. That's who I am."
Jayden Daniels via Commanders.com
Everyone has an opinion. But those who believe Daniels shouldn't play in Washington's remaining games are taking away what makes the dual-threat weapon so special.
His elite mentality and relentless determination dragged the Commanders from the proverbial wilderness and back into the spotlight. Daniels has suffered some problems on the field this season, but coaching scared is not an option for Quinn. And if there is a desire for the LSU product to alter his style and improve his ability to risk-assess in the line of fire, the best way to do so is through reps in a competitive setting.
Some might not like it. They believe Daniels should be bubble-wrapped until preparations for the 2026 campaign begin. The Commanders are playing for nothing with their postseason hopes long gone at 3-8, but throwing in the towel sends the wrong message.
Daniels won't play in Week 13 against the Denver Broncos on Sunday Night Football. But when he does get the all-clear to take his place under center, potentially the week after at the Minnesota Vikings, he'll be leading the charge once again.
Anyone can get hurt in the NFL at any time. That's just the way it is, so finding the right balance between risk and reward is far more beneficial than sitting Daniels out entirely.