On this Sunday though, when Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels takes the field against the Los Angeles Chargers, the answer should be yes. He sat out the last two games due to a sprained left knee. After the team’s practice Thursday at the Los Angeles Coliseum, coach Dan Quinn confirmed Daniels’ return should prove to be a big one. One of his most important future opponents would line up just 70 miles from his hometown of San Bernardino, CA.
Daniels was a full participant all week and he practiced with a black brace on his injured knee. He was cleared to rejoin on Wednesday and was cleared medically to return to play. He cannot wait to get out there and help the team win. “Not being there for two games was hard to miss,” he said while looking back on his absence.
Despite his injury, Daniels was confident that he would have played two weeks ago. He said emphatically, “I don’t call those shots.” His determination to lead the team is evident, especially with key players like Terry McLaurin and Noah Brown sidelined due to injuries. McLaurin is out with a quad injury. At the same time, Brown has been dealing with a groin and calf concern, and he sat out last Friday’s game versus the Las Vegas Raiders.
Jayden Daniels possesses a unique talent characterized by his distinct style of play, which allows him to move and throw effectively under pressure. He made it clear that he was not going to alter his game. That decision followed his knee injury on a fourth quarter run in Week 2 vs. the Green Bay Packers. “You’ve got to be smart, live to see another down,” he remarked about his approach moving forward.
While acknowledging his discomfort with the knee brace, Daniels affirmed his commitment to compete: “I’m not the biggest fan of it but if that’s what I have to wear then I’ll do anything possible.” Resilience is obviously going to be important but an openness to experimentation and risk-taking will be equally essential. The Commanders have mixed emotions heading into their game against the Chargers.
As kickoff approaches, the Washington Commanders and their fans eagerly anticipate Daniels’ return, hoping for a strong performance despite the team’s ongoing injury struggles.
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