When the Chicago Bears wrapped up their Week 6 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars, fans were left disappointed about waiting for one of the most anticipated quarterback duels of the 2024 NFL season.
The Bears are scheduled to face the Washington Commanders on Sunday, but the excitement surrounding the matchup between Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels may have diminished. In the Commanders’ recent victory over the Carolina Panthers, Daniels sustained a rib injury and didn’t play in the second half.
Initial tests indicated that Daniels might not have a fractured rib, but Commanders head coach Dan Quinn classified the rookie’s injury as week-to-week. This raises doubts about whether the highly anticipated showdown between Williams and Daniels will take place. Although Quinn expressed optimism about Daniels’ availability for Sunday, it’s uncommon for a player to start the week with a week-to-week designation and then play just a few days later.
If Daniels cannot go on Sunday, it would postpone the matchup between the top two quarterbacks selected in the 2024 NFL Draft. Daniels had been widely favored to win the NFL’s offensive rookie of the year award at the season’s start, but Williams’ strong performances over the last three weeks have brought him back into the discussion. Regardless of Daniels’ condition, Williams has an opportunity to further his progress against a Commanders defense that struggled against the Bears last season.
Should Daniels be unable to play, veteran Marcus Mariota will take the starting role for the Commanders. In relief of Daniels on Sunday, Mariota went 18 for 23 passing, totaling 205 yards and two touchdowns.
