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Adam Schefter, ESPN Senior Writer
Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels is set to start Sunday against the Chicago Bears despite dealing with a rib injury.
Daniels was listed as questionable to play and the Commanders waited to see how he was feeling Sunday in pregame warmups before making the determination that he could start.
Daniels did not practice Wednesday or Thursday but was a limited participant Friday and went through Washington’s walk-through practice Saturday.
Daniels injured his rib on his first play from scrimmage in last Sunday’s victory over the Carolina Panthers. He was replaced by Marcus Mariota, who completed 18 of 23 passes for 205 yards and two touchdowns.
With Daniels playing, Sunday’s matchup represents a battle between the respective No. 1 and No. 2 picks in the 2024 draft — Chicago quarterback Caleb Williams and Daniels.
Daniels is said to recognize the importance and significance of a game against Williams as well as what the contest will mean to Washington’s season. The Commanders (5-2) enter Sunday in first place in the NFC East, one-half game ahead of the Philadelphia Eagles (4-2).
“He’d want to play if he were missing his right leg,” a team official told ESPN.
ESPN’s John Keim contributed to this report.