Mariota is expected to start for the Commanders if QB Daniels is unavailable

Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, who is recovering from a rib injury, was not seen in the media-open portion of practice today.

Daniels and rookie offensive tackle Brandon Coleman (concussion) did not participate in the first practice of the week on Wednesday.

Head coach Dan Quinn said Wednesday that he would update Daniels’ situation after Friday’s practice.

The 23-year-old Daniels was injured on Sunday on the Commanders’ first offensive play, his 46-yard run, in a 40-7 win over the Carolina Panthers. He stayed in the game and the drive ended with a field goal before veteran Marcus Mariota relieved him as Washington improved to 5-2.

Mariota is expected to start if Daniels is unable to play Sunday against the visiting Chicago Bears (4-2) and 2024 No. 1 draft pick Caleb Williams.

Daniels, who was selected second overall out of LSU, has six touchdown passes and four rushing TDs this season, leads the league with a completion percentage of 75.6 and is sixth in the NFL with 107.0 the passer rating. He has thrown for 1,410 yards and rushed for 372 yards starting all seven games.

Mariota, 30, was 18 of 23 passing (78.3 percent) for 205 yards and two touchdowns after replacing Daniels against the Panthers.

The 24-year-old Coleman was also injured in this game. Coleman, a third-round pick from TCU in the 2024 NFL Draft, has played 39 percent of offensive snaps (178) in seven games (three starts).