## Washington Commanders’ Jayden Daniels Questionable for Week 8 Against Chicago Bears

The Washington Commanders are facing uncertainty as quarterback Jayden Daniels' status remains questionable for the Week 8 matchup against the Chicago Bears. Daniels, who suffered a rib injury on the team's first offensive play during a commanding 40-7 victory over the Carolina Panthers, did not participate in practice on Wednesday or Thursday. He was officially listed as a non-participant on those days.

During a press conference at the end of the week, Coach Dan Quinn provided an update on Daniels' condition. According to Quinn, Daniels participated in a closed practice session on Friday. "We followed the plan that we set at the start of the week," Quinn noted. "We will assess how he responds to the work that he did over the next 48 hours." The team put Daniels through a rigorous practice to evaluate his ability to perform necessary movements and skills for his position. This included running through the game plan and covering various scenarios on the field.

Quinn emphasized that the decision on whether Daniels can play on Sunday will depend on his recovery over the next two days. "We'll make the best decision for him and for the team," Quinn said. "If he can't go, we certainly have all the confidence in Marcus [Mariota]."

Earlier in the week, Quinn had mentioned that Daniels was "close to there" in terms of returning to practice. The coaching staff wanted to ensure that Daniels could fully participate in team activities and exhibit the qualities that make him unique and special. On Friday morning, instead of joining the initial team stretch, Daniels engaged in extra strength and conditioning exercises before taking part in team drills.

Friday's practice aimed to push Daniels to his limits, both in quarterback-specific tasks and within the game plan context. "We really wanted to push it today," Quinn said. "That's why I think it's important, because you have to push it in not just the quarterback-specific things, but also within the game plan. So, we really pushed it today, and that's really what the next day and a half will be about to see how he responds."

As the Commanders prepare for Sunday's game, all eyes remain on whether Daniels will be fit to take the field or if Marcus Mariota will step in as the starting quarterback.