Jayden Daniels flew to London with the Washington Commanders on Wednesday, and he is set to take part in a limited jog-through practice as the team prepares for its game against the Indianapolis Colts. Head coach Dan Quinn confirmed the plan with reporters, adding that there is still “a chance” Daniels could play in Week 4.
The move signals cautious optimism about Daniels’ recovery from a dislocated elbow in his non-throwing arm, an injury that knocked him out of Washington’s Week 2 loss to the Dallas Cowboys and forced backup Marcus Mariota to start in Sunday’s 33-31 win over the reigning Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks.
Daniels’ Injury Timeline
Daniels suffered the elbow injury in Week 2, when the dislocation occurred in his non-throwing arm. That same elbow had previously been dislocated and re-injured last season, making this a recurring issue for the quarterback.
He missed Sunday’s game against the Seahawks, with Mariota stepping in at quarterback. The Commanders won despite the adversity, but the question of Daniels’ availability has hung over the team since.
The injury initially raised fears of a long-term absence. Those fears were tempered last week when Commanders general manager Adam Peters revealed that “surgery is not on the table.”
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Sunday that consultations with medical specialists concluded that Daniels is “expected back at three weeks or sooner.” A return to face the Colts on Sunday would fall within that timeline, though nothing is certain yet.
Quinn’s Position on Daniels
Quinn made clear Wednesday that the team is not rushing Daniels back. “We’re not going to put him out there before he’s ready,” the coach said.
The jog-through will give Daniels a chance to test his body in a controlled setting. Whether that leads to a Week 4 appearance remains to be seen.
The team never gave a specific timetable for Daniels’ return. The Commanders declined to place him on injured reserve, which would have locked in a four-week absence. By staying off IR, the team leaves open the possibility Daniels can return in fewer than four weeks.
That decision speaks to the team’s belief that Daniels could be back sooner rather than later. The Colts game on Sunday gives the team a clear deadline to watch.
The Team’s London Trip
The fact that Daniels traveled to London with the team at all is notable. The Commanders brought him along, and he is set to participate in a “jog-through” in a limited capacity.
That suggests the team believes he is close to returning. Having him available to practice in a limited capacity — a jog-through, as Quinn described it — means the Commanders are not writing him off for Sunday.
Linebacker Frankie Luvu and tight end Chig Okonkwo were also expected to travel and practice this week after being sidelined with injuries. Both players were listed with groin and hamstring issues, respectively.
Chenal’s Season Is Over
The Commanders received other news Wednesday. Linebacker Leo Chenal underwent season-ending neck surgery Monday morning, according to Quinn, who confirmed the procedure “went well.”
Chenal sustained his neck injury on Sunday during the Seahawks game. He was placed on a stabilizing backboard and carted off the field after taking contact to his head. He had movement in his extremities as he was carted off.
Chenal, 25, joined the Commanders from the Chiefs in the offseason and started at inside linebacker.
What the Colts Game Means
The Commanders are 1-2 following Sunday’s upset win over the Seahawks. They have a chance to build on that success with upcoming games against the Colts and New York Giants before the schedule gets tougher in Weeks 6-8, when they face the 49ers, Eagles and Rams.
Having Daniels back would clearly help. The team would certainly like to have him available sooner rather than later.
Key Facts Box
- Daniels’ injury: Dislocated elbow in his non-throwing arm
- Last dislocation: Same elbow, re-injured last season
- Last game missed: Week 2 loss to Dallas Cowboys
- Sunday’s game: 33-31 win over Seattle Seahawks with Mariota starting
- Daniels’ return window: Expected at three weeks or sooner
- Chenal’s age: 25
- Chenal’s previous team: Chiefs
- Chenal’s position: Inside linebacker
Daniels’ ability to participate in a jog-through is a sign the team believes he can handle travel and light activity without aggravating the injury. The Colts game on Sunday is the next test, and until then the official stance remains what Quinn stated: “We’re not going to put him out there before he’s ready.”
For now, the Commanders are keeping their options open. Daniels is traveling, practicing in a limited way, and still in the mix for Sunday. That is better than most injured quarterbacks can say.
Source material: “Commanders QB Jayden Daniels to practice Wednesday after flying to London with team, still 'a chance' he plays vs. Colts in Week 4,” Yahoo Sports.
Get the Notebook.
The day's best stories and every fresh verdict, in plain English, in your inbox by seven. One email a day, no more.