All attention for the Chicago Bears’ Week 8 matchup against the Washington Commanders is focused on the availability of Commanders’ rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.
This game provides the Bears with a chance to affirm their decision to select Caleb Williams with the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Since last November, the Bears had been set on Williams as their next franchise quarterback. Because of this commitment, they spent minimal time considering Daniels as an option.
Six weeks into the season, there’s little for the Bears to second-guess. Williams is achieving things never before seen from a Bears quarterback, while Daniels has generated significant buzz, even being mentioned as an early MVP contender during the first three weeks.
That buzz has quieted recently, and Sunday was expected to showcase the highly anticipated showdown between Williams and Daniels. However, current indications are that Daniels will likely sit out on Sunday.
Jayden Daniels did not practice for the Commanders on Thursday.
Today’s QBs. No Jayden Daniels. pic.twitter.com/FxBBL5rlkD
— John Keim (@john_keim) October 24, 2024
Daniels sustained a rib injury in last Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers and has yet to participate in practice this week. This absence suggests the rookie quarterback may miss Sunday’s matchup with the Bears, though the Commanders are still keeping the option open for him to play.
Washington plans to attempt to try to practice Jayden Daniels on Friday. https://t.co/GSyqF77uyD
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 24, 2024
Teams typically hold a walkthrough on Fridays to prepare for their Sunday games. Even if Daniels manages to participate, it’s unlikely to alter his status for Sunday. All indications suggest the Bears will likely be facing Marcus Mariota instead of Daniels this weekend.
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