Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Commanders Jayden Daniels Details How Rib Injury Affecting Running

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Adam Schultz | Last updated Nov 16, 2024 12:00 PM ET

Washington Commanders' quarterback Jayden Daniels appears to be past his rib injury...if we go by his words after the 26-18 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

In a game where Daniels was uncharacteristically poor, he was seen several times leaning away from pressure and even throwing off his back foot while backpedaling, seemingly trying to avoid getting hit by the Eagles' stout defensive pressure.

Such was Jayden's performance, that some think he was protecting his ribs to avoid unnecessary hits. It didn't look like a "Daniels" game at Lincoln Financial Field.

But when asked about his physical health, he gave a typical quarterback response.

"Yeah, for sure," Daniels said on if he is healthy. "If I wasn't, I wouldn't be on the field. I'm not the only player that's fighting stuff, obviously no player at this point is 100 percent healthy, it was a short turnaround, so kudos to the guys that are battling back to get their bodies back right for this short game. Go back, rest up, and get ready for next week."

Of course, there is a real possibility that Daniels just played a poor game. Having been playing solid football since Week 1, the rookie might have just had an off night against Vic Fangio's defense, in which Jayden looked every bit a rookie quarterback.

But also, the rib issue could linger for a while yet, and we have to take Daniels' words at face value and let's be honest, he isn't going to say he went out there less than 100 percent, will he?

With Washington having two games until their bye week, Daniels still has to continue battling before getting a break.

So whether or not Daniels' ribs were bothering him is unknown, but the Commanders, who are now on a two-game losing streak, must find a way to get back on the winner's list, and Jayden will need to play a key role in that, healthy or not.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: