Jayden Daniels will make his NFL debut this week vs. Jets - but will he start?

Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn confirms QB Jayden Daniels will play vs. Jets

ASHBURN, VA - JULY 25: Jayden Daniels #5 of the Washington Commanders attempts a pass during training camp at OrthoVirginia Training Center at Commanders Park on July 25, 2024 in Ashburn, Virginia. / (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

The second overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, quarterback Jayden Daniels will make his pro debut in Saturday's preeason game against the New York Jets. This is according to Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn, who informed reporters of the news on Sunday.

Daniels (6-foot-3, 185 pounds) is one of the most highly-anticipated players in this rookie class. He is coming off a sensational 2023 season at LSU. Daniels racked up 3,812 passing yards, 40 touchdowns and just four interceptions. As a rusher he added another 1,134 yards and 10 more scores. Daniels won the Heisman for his efforts.

However, we can't go ahead and assume the starting quarterback role will be his, at least not at the outset of the season. Quinn did not say whether Daniels would be starting against the Jets or not. For his part, Daniels sounds like he's just happy to be playing.

Commanders QB Jayden Daniels says, “I just love playing football so I’m happy about it.” When asked about coach Dan Quinn revealing he will in fact play against the Jets in the team’s first preseason game. pic.twitter.com/ciNozaWU2n

— David Harrison (@DHarrison82) August 4, 2024

Daniels may get a hell of a test in his first NFL action, depending on if Jets head coach Robert Saleh plays his starters on defense. Last season New York finished third in the league in fewest yards allowed per game and only gave up 20.9 points per game.

The Jets are loaded at all three levels on this side of the ball. Up front they have game-wrecker Quinnen Williams and newcomer Javon Kinlaw inside. They're also lethal on the back end, where they have one of the NFL's top cornerback combos in Sauce Gardner and D.J. Reed, as well as one of the game's elite linebacker duos with C.J. Moseley and Quincy Williams.

However, it's more than likely Daniels will be going against the Jets' backups as this is only their first preseason game.

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