Jayden Daniels Battles Knee Injury in Practice, but Is He Ready to Face the Falcons?

Jayden Daniels is itching to get back on the field this Sunday as the Washington Commanders face off against the Atlanta Falcons. After sitting out last week’s victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, thanks to a reported sprained knee, Daniels hit the practice field Wednesday for the first time since that setback. He’s feeling optimistic about his ability to play—though, as he himself admits, the final say isn’t his to make. The team doctors hold that power, and they haven’t handed down their verdict yet. Daniels practiced with a brace and sounded confident that he’s ready if called upon, but prudence will rule the day when it comes to protecting the young quarterback who’s become the franchise’s beacon of hope. The last thing Washington wants is to jeopardize the future for a single game—even if Daniels says, “I feel good.” LEARN MORE

If it were up to Jayden Daniels, it sounds like he’d suit up for Sunday’s Commanders game against the Atlanta Falcons.

The Washington quarterback spoke with reporters Wednesday after practicing for the first time since missing last week’s win over the Las Vegas Raiders with what’s been reported as a sprained knee. He says he feels well enough that he thinks he can play on Sunday.

But it’s not up to him. That decision will be made by Washington’s medical staff. And that call has yet to come.

“It’s up to the doctors, that’s not my decision,” Daniels said of his playing status. “I feel good.”

Daniels was asked specifically how much running and cutting he’s been able to do while practicing in a limited capacity.

“Enough to feel good if I play on Sunday,” Daniels continued. “Like I said, it’s not my decision.”

Will Jayden Daniels play on Sunday?

(Patrick McDermott via Getty Images)

Daniels practiced with a brace. He doesn’t know yet if he’d need to wear one in a game if he does play on Sunday. But he reiterated that he feels fine.

Factors to consider in Daniels decision

So that’s certainly good news for the Commanders and their fans hoping to see Daniels back on the field against the Falcons. And it sounds like his condition has improved from last week.

Daniels reportedly had no issues running or throwing last week, but was held out because he felt discomfort when moving laterally. That doesn’t appear to be an issue any more.

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“I’m myself,” Daniels said when asked if he feels any level of discomfort.

But, as Daniels noted, it’s not his decision. And the Commanders aren’t going to take any necessary chances with the health of their young star quarterback. Or they shouldn’t, at least.

Daniels represents the present and long-term future hope of Washington returning to consistent competitive relevance for the first time since the early 1990s. Washington stunned the NFL with a trip to the NFC championship game in his rookie season, and the hopes in Washington are that Daniels can continue to keep deep playoff runs in play.

They’re now off to a 2-1 start and found competent quarterback play from backup Mariota in last week’s win over the Raiders. If he’s ready to go against the Falcons he will. But if there’s risk of notable further damage to his knee, the Commanders should make the prudent decision and hold him out, even if Daniels feels like he’s ready.