Week 7 unfortunately brought injuries to a pair of marquee WRs and five NFL QBs -including rookie phenom Jayden Daniels. When/if these players return to game action is discussed below.
Key: Position Player, Team | Injury | Projected Return to Play
QB Jayden Daniels, Washington | Rib Injury | Projecting Week 8 Return
Jayden Daniels' rookie season has been all gas, but on Sunday, he ran into a bit of a speed bump. Daniels was removed early from game action with a rib injury and did not return. Daniels did return to the sideline in the second half and appeared to indicate that his rib injury was relatively minor.
Jayden Daniels isn’t missing next week’s game against Chicago #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/n3C2hOL9TW
— brandon (@JayDanielsMVP) October 20, 2024
For what it is worth, Daniels' mom even took to social media to let everyone know that her son avoided a serious injury.
He's fine #httc
— Mz Jackson (@LovelyMzJackson) October 20, 2024
There is some doubt that Daniels will play next week because he was not able to return to game action. Additionally, post-game head coach Dan Quinn said that Daniels would need further testing heading into Week 8.
It's likely Daniels had X-rays taken at the Commanders' stadium, which did not show any fractures – a great sign. However, sometimes small fractures do not show up on X-rays, but later, when an MRI is taken, they can show that small fractures are present. At the very least, I would expect Daniels to have a bruised rib or possibly a costal cartilage injury. Both can be very painful.
Looking at historical data on quarterbacks with rib injuries, it's a 50/50 split of those who miss at least one game or not. Based on the early reports, I lean toward Daniels playing against Chicago next week, but if we get word later in the week that Daniels does have a rib fracture, the likelihood of him missing next week increases. Expect Daniels to be limited all week and possibly sit out Wednesday/Thursday's practice as he manages his pain.
WR Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco | Knee Injury | Possibly Season-Ending
Brandon Aiyuk was carted to the locker room after a knee injury and did not return. Initial reports out of San Francisco indicate that there is concern that Aiyuk suffered a torn ACL.
49ers HC Kyle Shanahan told reporters that the team is worried WR Brandon Aiyuk tore his ACL.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 20, 2024
The mechanism of injury certainly fits that of an ACL tear with possible MCL involvement. Once Aiyuk has an MRI on Monday, we will know for sure. Obviously, a torn ACL would require season-ending surgery. For now, we wait, but it does not look promising.
Update: An ACL and MCL tear were confirmed Monday. Aiyuk's 2024 season is over.
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