In what could be a highly anticipated matchup, the No. 1 and No. 2 picks of the 2024 draft are potentially set to face off on the football field. The Commanders’ quarterback Jayden Daniels, chosen second overall in April, is dealing with a rib injury that puts his availability for Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears, led by Caleb Williams, in question.
According to a report from NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, Daniels is expected to take part in a walk-through practice on Saturday, attend meetings, and receive treatment for his injured rib cartilage. Despite missing practice on both Wednesday and Thursday, Daniels was able to participate in a limited capacity on Friday as he looks to tough it out and potentially take the field on game day.
The big question surrounding Daniels’ status is whether he can push through the pain associated with rib and rib cartilage injuries to run and throw effectively. There is also speculation about whether Dr. Needle, a renowned specialist in dealing with these types of injuries, will make an appearance to assist Daniels in his recovery before kickoff.
If Daniels is able to suit up, it will mark the sixth instance in which the top two quarterbacks selected in the draft have faced each other as rookies. Previous matchups include Trevor Lawrence vs. Zach Wilson in 2021 and Bryce Young vs. C.J. Stroud in 2023. However, if Daniels is unable to play, the Commanders will turn to Marcus Mariota, a former No. 2 overall pick in 2015, to lead the team against the Bears.
The potential showdown between Daniels and Williams adds another layer of intrigue to an already highly anticipated game, showcasing the talent and competitive nature of two young quarterbacks who have the potential to leave a lasting impact on the league. Stay tuned as the football world eagerly awaits the outcome of this exciting quarterback battle on the gridiron.
