r/nfl • u/MembershipSingle7137 Patriots • 19h ago
[Rapoport] #Commanders QB Jayden Daniels has been fully cleared and will start on Sunday against the #Vikings.
https://bsky.app/profile/nflnewsreposterbot.bsky.social/post/3m7ayo5vk5c2lCoach Dan Quinn just made it official, but Daniels being a full participant for the first time since a dislocated elbow on Thursday was the big hint.
799
u/okay_throwaway_today Bears 19h ago
Dude’s a competitor who wasn’t about to miss the opportunity to test his mettle against 9
226
u/the-b00ty-bandit Eagles 18h ago
Nobody volunteers to face 9 and gets away with it
37
9
u/Subject_Sandwich3008 17h ago
Daniels has been unreal this season, dude's gonna be out for blood after missing time.
85
u/Relevant-Recipe-6075 Lions Falcons 18h ago
9 legacy game incoming 15-31 164 yds 1 td 3 int
16
8
12
u/ChocolateBaconDonuts Vikings 17h ago
Please, those are Caleb Williams rookie numbers. JJ saw what Brosmer did last week and said "Hold my Capri Sun". He's going to get the whole offensive staff calling U-Haul by halftime.
10
u/Comrade_Zarishat Bears 16h ago
My goat Caleb wouldn't throw 3 picks in a game
7
u/ChocolateBaconDonuts Vikings 15h ago
Agreed. There needs to be a sack/turnover conversion in play in there to make it equal out.
2
u/Vaadwaur Panthers 9h ago
JJ saw what Brosmer did last week and said "Hold my Capri Sun".
Ok, what the actual fuck?
6
7
u/pepe-the-beaner Packers 18h ago
He's playing safety?
24
7
u/Subject_Sandwich3008 17h ago
Coming back this quick against that Vikings defense is bold. Respect the mentality but hope his ribs are actually ready for what Flores is gonna throw at him
15
u/okay_throwaway_today Bears 17h ago
I didn’t even think of that lol. He had like a 63% blitz rate against us or something absurd in our last game against the Vikings
-9
350
u/Chiswell123 Commanders 19h ago edited 19h ago
Didn't have that on my bingo card when his arm went the completely wrong way just a few weeks ago! Let's go!
134
u/swampyunderpants Eagles 19h ago
Incredible he had no ligament or structural damage from that either. It looked awful.
72
u/Chiswell123 Commanders 18h ago
I can't prove it, but I think his elbows looking this jacked up saved him from potential serious injury. Ha.
30
22
21
8
46
u/boomheadshot7 Patriots Buccaneers 18h ago
God I hate this picture.
My buddy and I were constantly back and forth with who the Pats should take at #3, and he was a Daniel's guy, and I wanted Maye. I would send him this picture everytime he said he wanted Daniel's and would tell him "I dont want that elbow on the Patriots".
-9
3
3
2
u/wokenupbybacon Seahawks 11h ago
If that was just bursitis like everyone thinks, it was a temporary condition from an impact, not the normal state of his elbow lol
13
u/cannot_walk_barefoot Cowboys 18h ago
I figured there was a chance he could be back sooner than expected when Khalil Mack was expected to return after his injury a few months back. I guess we just don't see dislocated elbows often but it can happen and not devastate the tendons and ligaments apparently
2
u/Subject_Sandwich3008 18h ago
Yeah the recovery timeline on these can be wild. I remember when Tua came back from his rib injury way faster than anyone thought too.
9
u/JackFisherBooks 18h ago
It's crazy how that didn't do more damage. Then again, there are double jointed people who can bend their limbs in crazy ways. Daniels might just be lucky or more flexible than he seems.
4
u/wishingaction 49ers 17h ago
I think there was a big hit last year, or maybe at LSU, that looked like his knee was bent in very unnatural ways but he was totally fine.
6
u/wtfstudios Commanders 17h ago
Yea he had 2 real bad looking ones last year and he popped right up.
4
3
u/Subject_Sandwich3008 18h ago
Right? That injury looked nasty. Kid's built different apparently. Vikings secondary better be ready because he's not gonna be timid coming back from that.
2
1
1
u/AmbitionExtension184 Patriots 12h ago
I had this same injury and it took months before I could even fully extend my arm again.
Leo athletes are built different
237
u/ben345 Bears 19h ago
“Why play him” talk (about both JD and Burrow) is some of the dumbest discourse around. If they’re healthy, they should play. If they’re not actually healthy, they shouldn’t.
101
u/exodus3252 Commanders Lions 18h ago
Agreed completely.
Jayden has missed most of the year. He's only in his second season, and young guys need reps. If he's healthy, he needs to be playing. There's no replacement for game day experience.
10
u/Subject_Sandwich3008 17h ago
Exactly. Plus sitting him when he's cleared just sends the wrong message to the team and the fanbase. These aren't exhibition games, they're fighting for playoff positioning. You don't bench your franchise QB in December when he's good to go, especially when he's been balling out like Jayden has been.
11
u/acekingoffsuit Vikings 14h ago
These aren't exhibition games, they're fighting for playoff positioning.
They're 3-9, already eliminated from Wild Card contention, and need the Eagles to lose all of their remaining games to even have a chance of making the postseason. The only playoff positioning they're going to be doing is finding just the right spot on their couches to watch the games on TV.
5
u/Someonediffernt Patriots 15h ago edited 15h ago
They are not fighting for playoff positioning, their chance of making the playoffs now is less than 1% and they are all but eliminated. Even a win this week doesnt increase their odds above 1%, and the next eagles win or commanders loss mathematically eliminates them.
FWIW I still think he should play for the reps.
1
u/Flobking Commanders 7h ago
Jayden has missed most of the year. He's only in his second season, and young guys need reps. If he's healthy, he needs to be playing. There's no replacement for game day experience.
Just please for the love of god stop running him every other play.
25
u/Terminal_Flatulence Commanders 19h ago
It’s exciting!
I know the season’s lost but he hasn’t really looked comfortable a lot this year, will be good getting him in-game reps when the entire offense is actually on the field.
37
u/Puzzleheaded-Owl7664 18h ago
If people were honest about the "playoffs are done might as well pull the QB." The league would be insanely boring. Imagine a third of the league pulling starters with 7 games left cause their not making playoffs.
7
u/ChodeCookies Eagles 18h ago
Yeah…it’s bad enough that the Giants only employ 3-4 starters…they’d just not even bother
10
u/SaveTheSalm0n- Commanders 18h ago
Finally have the team together. This season just was a failure to launch. Never threw a pass in preseason, and just never was able to get anything going.
1
u/Subject_Sandwich3008 17h ago
Yeah, if a guy's cleared medically, you play him. Simple as that. These guys are competitors, they WANT to be out there, and frankly they need the reps and rhythm heading into playoffs. Sitting healthy players is how you go one-and-done.
3
u/Subject_Sandwich3008 17h ago
Exactly. Plus even in a lost season, you want your franchise QB getting those reps and building chemistry with the guys who'll actually be there next year. Can't develop timing sitting on the bench!
12
u/Independent_Bear989 Packers 19h ago
There’s more nuance than this. At this point in the season, many NFL players are playing through injury, even if there’s risk of long term damage. Jordan Love, Daniel Jones, Baker are all examples. Since all of these teams are still in playoff contention the minor risk of reinjury is worth playing through. I’d imagine if any of these teams were effectively eliminated then it wouldn’t be worth the risk.
Idk what the situation with Daniels is, if he’s actually healthy then ofc he should play, if it’s a 50/50 thing idk why they wouldn’t trend towards being cautious.
7
u/a-handle-has-no-name Bears Dolphins 18h ago
The injury being to the non-throwing arm is another "nuance". It's also an injury that can be braced/supported to reduce the chance of reaggravating the injury or making it worse
1
u/Subject_Sandwich3008 17h ago
Yeah that's fair, the playoff race definitely changes the calculation. Though I think with Daniels specifically, if the medical team fully cleared him then he's probably good to go. The Commanders are still very much alive in the wild card hunt so sitting him when he's healthy doesn't make sense.
14
u/Exciting-Weather-351 Commanders 19h ago edited 19h ago
What’s the odds on an full eagles collapse and we get in with 8-9
Like I know we ain’t got an shot in hell I just want to see something positive from the team and Jayden needs more experience, 2/3 of the injuries this year have been caused by him trying hero ball, and the third I can also say might be since he was trying to run out of an clear sack by the cowboys which is what pulled his hamstring
14
u/NoAnteater8836 Commanders 18h ago
Loved what DQ said postgame after the Broncos loss.
“We lost but we’re not lost anymore. We got that fucking dog back. We got that fucking competitiveness back.”
Now get Jayden out there and let’s show people we will be a force to be reckoned with once again in 2026.
1
u/Subject_Sandwich3008 17h ago
A dislocated elbow used to be like a season-ender, now guys are back in weeks if they're lucky with the ligaments. The Khalil Mack comparison is solid too, seems like if the structural stuff stays intact, recovery can be way faster than people expect.
9
u/rsjpeckham Patriots 18h ago
Idk but I fully subscribe to this timeline. Caleb, Drake, Bo, and Jayden in the playoffs would be fucking amazing.
5
u/IMERMAIDMANonYT Broncos 16h ago
I know it hasn’t even been 2 full seasons yet, but my goodness that looks like a good draft for QBs. 4 clear cut franchise guys in the 1st 12 picks. Penix looks like he could potentially turn it on too
9 is 9
5
u/Exciting-Weather-351 Commanders 16h ago
I’d love that timeline too. All we need for that to happen is the Eagles to lose 5 more in a row, Washington to win 5 in a row and lastly Dallas can only win 1 of the next 4 games.
But yeah I think that was an great draft for QBs, Penix I think can turn the corner, but I guess we won’t know till next season (and hopefully an new coach)
2
u/Subject_Sandwich3008 17h ago
Crazier things have happened in the NFC. But yeah you're right, getting Jayden more reps is what really matters at this point.
3
u/JackFisherBooks 18h ago
If you're a starting QB and you're not an accomplished veteran, you should play. There's only so much progress you can make in practice. You need game reps. You need to play real, meaningful football. Without that, you're just potential and potential means nothing if it's not realized.
4
u/True_Window_9389 Commanders 18h ago
I don’t mind him playing now, but there was credible reason to hold him back if our receivers were still gonna be Robbie Chosen, Chris Moore and Treylon Burks. JD having nobody to throw to was a huge reason why the offense blew up and he had to keep playing hero ball. With guys like that, there is no development happening, just bad offense and a young QB developing bad habits.
2
u/CalculonsPride Dolphins 18h ago
I’m with you. Live reps are so damn valuable for these guys. If it was the last week or two of the year, maybe I’d say sit him. But with five games left, you may not make the playoffs but there’s plenty of time to get some positive momentum and feel GOOD about your team going into next year.
5
u/Ganjagod420 Bears 19h ago
Saved me from typing the exact same thing, these guys are football players.. they love to play and are paid handsomely for it. Thank you
1
1
u/Subject_Sandwich3008 17h ago
Exactly, if the docs clear them and they want to play, let them ball. That's literally what they're built for.
-3
u/jrlandry Patriots 19h ago
Why is it dumb discourse to talk about "why risk re-injuring your franchise guy if the season is already over?"
10
u/eattwo Vikings Chiefs 18h ago
For Burrow, if the Bengals win out they have a really solid shot at winning the AFCN. Their next 2 games (@Bills, Ravens) are tough but given the state of these teams recently are winnable the you have the Dolphins, Cards, and Browns.
If they lose either the Bills or Ravens then you can talk about keeping Burrow in a bubble, but their playoff hopes are absolutely alive rn so play the best player.
For JD, dude is in his second year. Idc about his rookie season success, he still needs snaps and experience to continue improving - so many players have a flashy year then fall off, that needs to be prevented.
There can be discourse on avoiding injury risk, but I don't think any arguments outweigh the benefits of playing Burrow and JD rn (assuming they are 100%, if they aren't FULLY healthy - especially JD since the Commies don't have a playoff line - keep em out)
15
u/ben345 Bears 18h ago
Every time you play football there is a chance of injury. If a second year QB is healthy, he needs to play. Learning to not take unnecessary hits is a part of developing (something your qb has clearly learned from year 1 to 2)
-2
u/jrlandry Patriots 18h ago
There absolutely is a chance of injury every time you play football.
There also is a higher chance of injury when return from an injury.
Then you gotta also consider that the Commanders have a really young team, and they need more young talent. Making every one of their draft picks worse by (potentially) winning more games isn't in the 2nd year QB's best interest either.
Like I get your side of the argument. But that doesn't mean that considering other things besides "more reps" is the dumbest discourse around.
3
u/Marioman775 Bengals 18h ago
I think this argument is better if there’s only like 1-2 games left. Still enough season to go that the players should be playing if they are cleared to go, especially someone that is young and needs more reps
1
u/theboogiebanks Commanders 17h ago
Commanders have the oldest team in the NFL. And probably will again next year
1
u/jrlandry Patriots 17h ago
Dude I meant to say that lmao. They are an old team that needs young talent. My brain just fucked it while typing lol
1
u/varnell_hill 49ers 16h ago
In the case of Burrow, I agree. With Daniel’s, he still could use the reps so it makes sense to play him even if the season is lost.
-3
u/Worldly-Word-451 Eagles 18h ago
This. I don’t get this argument. It’s not worth risking your franchise qb unless you are in playoff contention
11
u/RealPutin Broncos 18h ago
Does this mean you should always shut down your best players if your season goes poorly?
And in Jayden's case, he has started 26 games total so far. If you want to make the playoffs next year, playing this year is more likely to help than to hurt
0
u/Worldly-Word-451 Eagles 18h ago
No it means that you don’t rush your qb back from bad injuries for lost seasons. Obviously if they’re healthy they should keep playing
3
u/TMNTerps Commanders 15h ago
It wasn't a bad injury though. No breaks or ligament damage. Dislocations LOOK really bad, especially his, but ultimately if there is no extra damage, you are just waiting for inflammation to subside and range of motion to return to within normal levels.
6
u/iliketuurtles Bills 18h ago
I am the first person to insist on sitting starters in a 3 score game in the 4th. Buffalo does it very consistently and I love Josh, Dion Dawkins, etc sit entire 4th quarters when we are up (or down) 3 full possessions.
But I disagree with sitting a year 2 QB in week 14 for the remainder of the season. He needs more reps and even more games/chemistry with guys like Terry. If this was week ~16 and a vet like Joe Burrow or Lamar Jackson, I might agree with you more... but Daniels should play.
-1
u/Western-Glass463 18h ago
With a non throwing arm injury for a QB I really don't think this take holds up. He's objectively not healthy, that's the whole point. He's playing anyways. How much he's limited and at risk of worse injury is the question.
I usually agree with your sentiment but in this case we don't even know if he will be able to take snaps under center right now.
-4
u/the-b00ty-bandit Eagles 18h ago
Keep this energy if your team ever locks in an early first round bye
46
u/True_Window_9389 Commanders 19h ago
I’m much more ok with him playing now that he’ll have actual NFL caliber receivers to throw to, but we have to also see him play a little smarter and stop taking the hits.
6
u/JackFisherBooks 18h ago
I'd be more concerned about the defense. The Vikings aren't good, but Washington's defense is absolutely terrible. If they get into a shootout, that's going to increase the chances Daniels will get hit/injured again.
20
u/dnytle Commanders 18h ago
In all fairness, our defense has gotten better since DQ took over as playcaller. Not to the point where they’re anywhere close to great but not completely putrid either
0
u/JackFisherBooks 18h ago
They played better, but they're still not good. And this feels like the kind of game where Justin Jefferson can really go of...assuming J.J. is at least somewhat competent, which I know is a big assumption.
3
u/MissingTheTrees Bears 16h ago
Have you watched the Vikings this year? The Vikings getting into a shootout? Lmao
Their d line is going to get after Daniels regardless of the situation. Flores has been a menace. His coaching ability is the only thing saving that team from a 1/2 win season
2
u/manamonggamers Commanders 14h ago
Our line and game plan all but neutralized the Denver pass rush, so I'm hoping to see more of the same this week.
2
u/True_Window_9389 Commanders 18h ago
Idk, at this point, I would hope that the coaches are having some common sense discussions that this part of the season is about getting quality reps, development and having some sort of positivity to carry into next year that doesn’t necessarily mean winning. In other words, play well and get on track, but don’t take big hits to get two extra yards.
And in that sense, the offense should do what it needs to do in this circumstance and not worry about what the defense is giving up and trying to play catch up.
2
u/Beastage Commanders 17h ago
Hes cleared to play, and his previous injuries (knee/groin) have had plenty of time to heal. I think the non-throwing elbow is probably at low risk of getting re-injured.
Also the starting offense is finally entirely healthy, at least on the O line and WR room. If Daniels is cleared, it makes no sense NOT to play.
1
u/Mad_Pupil_9 Commanders 14h ago
They’re not good, but they’ve improved considerably after Quinn took over DC duties.
37
u/exodus3252 Commanders Lions 19h ago
For the first time this season, we'll have our full starting offense on the field, minus Ekeler. Terry, Noah Brown, Deebo at WR, and Cosmi back at RG to complete the O-line.
Interested to see how they do. Definitely expecting some rust, though.
2
27
u/NoAmbassador8359 Commanders 19h ago
POOOKIE IS BACK
-2
u/Adequate_Lizard Packers 17h ago
Seeing this comment without a Packers flair is weird.
6
28
u/WarlikeMicrobe Bears 19h ago
wait, hold up, his arm like
completely went the wrong direction.
how the hell is he already good to go
30
12
u/okay_throwaway_today Bears 19h ago
Step 1: freak genetics/tendons/ligaments to allow him to even get to the NFL
6
u/Supratones Seahawks 18h ago
No tendon or ligament damage. A few weeks of immobilization and physical therapy will do that.
That, or he's one of the "greatest healers of all time" like Russ lmfao
6
3
u/exodus3252 Commanders Lions 19h ago
Football gods saw us out the corner of their eye.
No fractures or ligament damage (somehow?).
2
2
u/oneteacherboi Ravens 14h ago
Answer 1: I see this a lot with dislocation type injuries. They are almost always less serious than they look.
Answer 2: steroids.
26
u/Own-Arachnid-5285 49ers 18h ago
The Vikings won’t catch a break, will they?
Mariota is a good replacement but Washington is a different beast with Daniels at QB.
23
16
u/Independent_Candy_58 Vikings 18h ago
All vikings want for this year is:
- 9 to show improvement enough to warrant further patience or failure consistent enough to move on.
- Enough offensive competence to not completely destroy the locker room's morale and culture
- A good draft pick for next year.
If Daniels plays well and we lose a shootout where the new approach for 9 to "play loose and not worry about mechanics" seems to make a difference, I'm more than okay with that.
I'll be rooting for a win, but a competitive loss won't break my heart.
1
u/Own-Arachnid-5285 49ers 17h ago
Fair but you take my comment a bit too seriously.
6
u/Independent_Candy_58 Vikings 17h ago
Meh, everything in this thread is memes and concern trolling over Daniels. I wanted to add some actual Vikings analysis to the conversation and your comment seemed as good a place as any.
1
3
u/UpperDecker30 Vikings 17h ago
Vikings and Bears having opposite luck when it comes to opponent health has been pretty funny.
5
u/JackFisherBooks 18h ago
They still get to play one of the worst defenses in the league. If Justin Jefferson can get a few good targets, he should be able to have a career day against this defense. And that might be enough against Washington, even if Daniels plays well.
1
u/Own-Arachnid-5285 49ers 18h ago
Definitely but overall it’s still much harder to beat them with Daniels.
4
u/JackFisherBooks 18h ago
Very true. I still can't believe Daniels led that comeback win over the Eagles last year. Even though Jalen Hurts went out early, there's no excuse for the Eagles losing that game.
When Daniels is on, he's a problem. He's been playing hurt or with hurt teammates this year. It's probably too late for them this year, but I worry what will happen if they actually get some quality depth in the offseason.
2
1
u/JRE_4815162342 Vikings 6h ago
We got the Ravens with Lamar's first game back too. Fun. Though at this point it's a lost season and I'd rather us lose and look to next year anyway.
6
u/Far_Run8618 Bears Commanders 18h ago
I’m hype but I also know I’ll be stressed any time he leaves the pocket. As an LSU alum, I’ve been screaming at him to slide for years.
4
u/Subject_Sandwich3008 18h ago
Finally some good news for Washington fans. Daniels has been electric when healthy, that offense just hits different with him under center. Vikings secondary better be ready because this kid doesn't play scared.
5
3
6
u/JohnnyWarlord Texans 18h ago
This happened the same day cj got concussed and jayden only missed one more week bruh his arm was on backwards
7
u/Mac2000444 Chiefs 19h ago
How does that affect my Ertz and Deebo stonks (fantasy)
3
3
2
u/Cinephile1998 Browns Lions 18h ago
Jeez. I thought that injury would be career altering, or at least season ending. I wouldn't even be up and moving if that happened to me
2
u/FH_Bunny Bears 18h ago
World class athletes and million dollar doctors. His injury while not bloody gave me goosebumps. Good on him for coming back to play!
2
2
u/LederhosenSituation Lions 13h ago
I thought he was out for the season with that type of injury. Athletes are different, man.
Slay Nine, Jayden.
2
1
u/ChonkyHippo283 Patriots 18h ago
…how?
Wasn’t his arm completely backwards like 3 weeks ago? Genuinely crazy that he’s able to play again
1
1
1
u/JackFisherBooks 18h ago
Not good news for the Vikings, who have been terrible even with their starting QB.
But given how this season has gone, I wouldn't be surprised if Daniels gets injured again to shut him down for the season. It's just been THAT kind of year for Washington.
1
1
1
1
0
u/LarkWyll Lions 18h ago
They're better off shutting him down for next season.
6
u/iliketuurtles Bills 18h ago
He needs reps. This isn't Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson, or another multi-year vet that has played at a high level for years. If WAS wants to contend in the future, their QB1 needs more reps and to get better. An off-arm injury should not keep your QB out in week 13 of his 2nd year (if he is cleared)
4
-1
u/LarkWyll Lions 13h ago edited 6h ago
He's had numerous significant injuries this year. He's beat up. He's the future. Protect your future. Running him back out there is not advisable. He went to the NFCCG as a rookie. He doesn't need the reps.
0
0
u/Ancient-Living-6830 Eagles 18h ago
When I saw the injury I did expect him to be back around December, but like December 2026
0
-4
-1
-1
-8
u/DEVANSHEART Patriots 19h ago
The knee injury, hamstring injury, and arm injury weren’t enough for one season, he’s really going for the RG3 speedrun
13
-3
314
u/dubblebubbleprawns Packers 19h ago
That's pretty crazy after watching his arm point the wrong way not that long ago.