Sources – Signs point to Jayden Daniels being a leader playing against the Bears

All signs point to Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels playing Sunday against the Chicago Bears, league sources told ESPN.

The Chiefs will still need to see how Daniels feels Sunday in pregame warmups before making any final decision on whether or not he can start. But as one team official told ESPN about Daniels: “He’s a tough guy.”

If Daniels can overcome his rib injury and play, as he is trying to do, it will set up a battle between the No. 1 and No. 2 picks for the season — Chicago quarterback Caleb Williams and Daniels.

Daniels is officially listed as questionable for Sunday’s home game against the Bears. The Heisman Trophy winner did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday but was a limited participant on Friday and took part in Washington’s practice on Saturday.

Daniels is said to be aware of the significance and significance of the matchup against Williams as well as what the contest will mean for Washington’s season. The Leaders (5-2) enter Sunday in first place in the NFC East, a half-game ahead of the Philadelphia Eagles (4-2).

“He would have wanted to play if he lost his right leg,” a team official told ESPN.

Leaders coach Dan Quinn said Daniels “really pushed it” on Friday and that the organization “will let our eyes decide how he responds over the next 48 hours.”

“This will guide us and we will make the best decision for him and the team,” Quinn said Friday.

Daniels said on Friday that he felt good and wanted to play, but acknowledged that “it’s not my decision.”

Daniels suffered a rib injury on his first play from scrimmage in last Sunday’s win over the Carolina Panthers. He was replaced by Marcus Mariota, who completed 18 of 23 passes for 205 yards and two touchdowns.

ESPN’s Joon Kim contributed to this report.