LANDOVER, Md. — A matchup between the NFL’s top two rookie quarterbacks will happen, after all.
Jayden Daniels, who hurt his ribs against the Panthers and missed two of the Commanders’ practices this week, will play Sunday against the Bears. Daniels warmed up with his teammates at Northwest Stadium, graduating from throwing a medicine ball to a basketball to a football about 20 minutes before inactives were due to the league office.
Daniels will face off against the Bears and the No. 1 pick in the draft, quarterback Caleb Williams.
The Commanders ramped up Daniels’ activity during the week. Coach Dan Quinn said the team tested the rookie during practice Friday, though his participation was limited. Daniels said Friday that the decision to play wasn’t his own and that the team would see how he felt Sunday.
The Bears prepared this week for both Daniels and backup Marcus Mariota but claimed the Commanders’ offense wouldn’t change regardless of who played.
For the second consecutive week, the Bears made guard Nate Davis a healthy scratch. Running back Khalil Herbert is a healthy scratch, too, having been replaced by Travis Homer on special teams. Defensive end Dominique Robinson and defensive tackle Zacch Pickens are also out.
The Bears ruled out starting safety Jaquan Brisker and starting cornerback Kyler Gordon on Friday.