Jayden Daniels is traveling with the Washington Commanders to London and will take part in a limited “jog-through” practice ahead of their Week 4 game against the Indianapolis Colts, head coach Dan Quinn confirmed on Wednesday. Daniels suffered a dislocated elbow in his non-throwing arm two weeks ago, but the Commanders have not ruled him out for Sunday’s contest.
Daniels missed the win over the Seattle Seahawks in Week 3 after the injury forced him off the field in Week 2 against the Dallas Cowboys. Backup quarterback Marcus Mariota started in his place during the 33-31 victory. The injury is to the same elbow Daniels dislocated last season, raising concerns about a prolonged absence. Despite that, the team’s decision to bring him to London and allow limited practice suggests they are hopeful for a quicker return.
Quinn told reporters there is still “a chance” Daniels could play but emphasized, “We’re not going to put him out there before he’s ready.” The team has not placed Daniels on injured reserve, which would have mandated a minimum four-week absence. General manager Adam Peters stated last week that surgery is not being considered, and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that medical specialists expect Daniels to be back in three weeks or sooner.
A return in Week 4 would fit within that timeline, but it remains uncertain. The Commanders sit at 1-2 after their win against the Seahawks and face the Colts and New York Giants before tougher matchups in Weeks 6 to 8 against the 49ers, Eagles, and Rams. Getting Daniels back sooner would be preferable for the team’s offensive continuity.
Alongside Daniels, linebacker Frankie Luvu and tight end Chig Okonkwo have also been traveling with the team to London after being sidelined with groin and hamstring injuries, respectively. Both players are expected to participate in practice this week.
Meanwhile, the Commanders confirmed that linebacker Leo Chenal underwent season-ending neck surgery on Monday. Chenal sustained the injury during Sunday’s game against the Seahawks after a hard hit to the head. He was stabilized on the field and taken off on a backboard but showed movement in his extremities at the time. Coach Quinn said the surgery “went well.” Chenal, 25, joined the Commanders this offseason from the Kansas City Chiefs and started at inside linebacker.
The team’s medical updates highlight the ongoing challenges the Commanders face as they prepare for their London trip. Jayden Daniels’ limited practice will be closely monitored in the coming days as the coaching staff evaluates whether he is fit to start against the Colts on Sunday.
According to Yahoo Sports.
