Jayden Daniels to be Game-Time Decision Against Bears
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LANDOVER, MD (PSF) — The Chicago Bears (4-2) are coming off of their bye week with a key matchup against the Washington Commanders (5-2). Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels is currently questionable to play against Chicago.
On Friday, Daniels returned to practice in a limited capacity. This came after missing practices the two days prior due to a rib injury he suffered in Week 7 against the Carolina Panthers (1-6).
Despite the loss of Daniels, backup and former Tennessee Titans QB Marcus Mariota came in to replace Daniels, and lead the team to a 40-7 win over Carolina.
Currently, Daniels is listed as questionable to play against the Bears. According to NFL senior news writer Kevin Patra, Daniels will be a game-time decision to play against Chicago.
Head coach Dan Quinn said that Daniels was able to get some practice due his condition after injury trending in a positive direction.
“He really pushed it today,” Quinn said. “We'll let our eyes decide how he responds over the next 48 hours. That'll guide us and we'll make the best decision for him and the team.”
When asked about him playing against Chicago, Daniels said he wants to, but he realizes that the choice isn’t up to him.
“I want to play but it's not my decision,” Daniels said. “It feels better, but I've still got some time. I've still got some marks I need to hit so they feel comfortable putting me out there.”
NFL fans across the country are waiting to see his game-time status as this is possibly one of the biggest matchups of the year. A game between the first and second overall picks of this pas draft class.
Both Daniels and QB Caleb Williams have improved tremendously after slow starts to their respective seasons.
Daniels currently has thrown 1,410 passing yards, six touchdowns, and two interceptions on the season. Williams, meanwhile, has 1,317 passing yards, nine touchdowns, and five interceptions.
Williams last played in Week 6 in London, where he threw for 226 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception against the Jacksonville Jaguars (2-5).
This matchup was previously scheduled for a noon (CT) gametime start. However, last Tuesday, the NFL flexed the game to a 3:25 PM start time, putting more eyes on this matchup.
For the Commanders, they’re looking to defeat the Bears after their last matchup ended in a loss. The last time these teams faced off was last season, when QB Justin Fields and company defeated Washington 40-20.
For Chicago, it’s all about getting another win and proving which rookie quarterback is better, while also getting another win in the NFC North. That division in particular looks to be the strongest and toughest one in the entire NFL, with all four teams being over .500 and having a winning record.
