When Jayden Daniels first suffered his dislocated elbow, the fear was that it would be a season-ending injury.
However, we later discovered that Daniels' injury wasn't as serious as first thought and that opened the door for the Washington Commanders quarterback to return at some point this season.
When that return happens remains to be seen, but ESPN's Jeremy Fowler says it's a "realistic possibility" that Daniels, who wants to play again this season despite the Commanders' slim playoff hopes, returns by Week 14.
Jayden Daniels' status is week-to-week, and while he's likely out for the Denver game Monday night, Week 14 is a realistic possibility. Daniels wants to play again this season. If he's medically cleared next week, starting vs. the Vikings on Dec. 7 is at least on the table. Shutting Daniels down has been a talking point the past few weeks, but that doesn't seem to be the team's plan at this point. Daniels is a young player who could use reps, and the injury was to his non-throwing elbow, so it shouldn't affect his long-term outlook, assuming he gets the green light.
While the Commanders haven't officially ruled out Daniels for this week, he is considered a long shot to play.
"It's important that Jayden's getting going, learning to play this position at the highest level competitively," head coach Quinn said.
"Also doing it safely. Those are reps that you develop as well. It's a skill just like throwing and processing. All those things are important," Quinn added.
There has been speculation that the Commanders might shut Daniels down for the rest of the season with the playoffs almost completely out of reach.
But Daniels has made it quite clear he wants to play again when healthy, no matter the circumstances.
“If I’m healthy and ready to go I want to be out there," Daniels said on Tuesday, per ESPN's John Keim.
Right now, based on Daniels' comment and Fowler's report, it looks like we will see the Commanders star on the field again this season, and that could come as soon as next week.
More NFL News