By Matt AudiletShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberThe Washington Commanders have been without starting quarterback Jayden Daniels since he suffered a gruesome dislocation to his left, non-throwing elbow during a Week 9 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
This injury occurred with 12 minutes remaining in the game while the Commanders trailed the Seahawks by 31 points. Washington has since lost each of its next two games, tacking on to its disappointing six-game losing streak.
Daniels was able to return to the field and practice in a limited capacity leading up to Sunday night's Week 13 matchup against the Denver Broncos, but the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year was ultimately ruled out.
That being said, there's some serious hope that Daniels could return to game action for Week 14's clash against the Minnesota Vikings.
"Despite how bad it looked, it was limited ligament damage which meant no surgery, and he could return this season" NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported on Sunday morning. "He did not get cleared for contact [this week], so Marcus Mariota starts again for Jayden Daniels tonight.
"Next week they have the Minnesota Vikings. My understanding is he at least has a chance of playing. No one has said firmly about whether he's going to be out there, but he does have a chance to get cleared four weeks from the injury — which would be great news for Washington."
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More Football: Lane Kiffin Decision Sparks Player-Led Push Build CFP Staff at Ole Miss
Even if Daniels is healthy enough to play in Week 14, it may behoove the Commanders to wait until their franchise quarterback is back to 100% before trotting him out onto the field. Daniels' injury late in Washington's Week 9 blowout loss to the Seahawks already sparked discourse over whether the team was putting him in unnecessary harms way.
The Commanders are 3-8 on the season, holding third position in the NFC East. The team is highly unlikely to play their way into the postseason, despite a trip to the NFC Championship in Daniels' rookie season.
...More Football: Vikings Announce Quarterback Signing Before Seahawks Matchup
Sunday night's primetime clash against the Denver Broncos will kickoff at 8:20 p.m. ET.
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