Jayden Daniels’ Return? Pump the Brakes - Commanders Staying Cautious With Rookie QB
For fans eager to see Jayden Daniels back under center, it might be time to take a page from Lee Corso’s playbook: Not so fast, my friend.
Despite the growing buzz that the Washington Commanders rookie quarterback could return this week against the Vikings, the situation remains far from settled. Head coach Dan Quinn made it clear on Monday - Daniels still hasn’t been cleared for contact. That’s a critical step, and until it happens, any talk of him starting is premature.
Daniels is still practicing in a limited capacity, taking some reps, but the team hasn’t specified how many or how intense. Quinn was upfront: a decision likely won’t come until Friday. That’s a pretty strong signal the team is in no rush - and for good reason.
Let’s be honest: this isn’t a 9-3 team pushing for a playoff berth. The Commanders are sitting at 3-9.
That record doesn’t just reflect where they are in the standings - it also shapes how they approach the final stretch of the season. There’s no benefit in rushing Daniels back if his left arm is still sore or vulnerable.
The long-term health of your franchise quarterback should always come before a Week 14 matchup, especially in a season that’s already veered off course.
Washington absolutely wants to get Daniels more game action before the season wraps - that much is clear. But there’s still time.
If he doesn’t suit up against Minnesota, there are four games left on the schedule, all against division opponents: the Eagles (twice), the Cowboys, and the Giants. Those are meaningful reps in high-intensity matchups, even if the postseason is out of reach.
In the meantime, the logical move is to let Marcus Mariota take the lion’s share of first-team reps this week. If Daniels isn’t cleared, there’s no reason to split those snaps. Mariota needs every rep he can get to prepare for the Vikings’ defense, and giving him a full week of work gives Washington the best shot at a clean offensive operation on Sunday.
Bottom line: the Commanders are playing this one smart. They want Daniels on the field - but only when he’s ready. And with a month of football still ahead, there’s no need to gamble on the future for the sake of one December game.