Jayden Daniels was presented with a hypothetical situation during his Wednesday press conference that ended with a question.
Let’s say it’s third-and-8, respected Athletic reporter David Aldridge said, and the first-down marker is in clear and unobstructed view.
What do you do? How hard do you charge? Is the left elbow injury now protected by a big brace going to impact what you do?
Daniels answered the question with a question.
“Is it the fourth quarter?”
“Sure,” Alridge responded. “Let’s say it is.”
Daniels responded in typical JD5 fashion.
“I mean, we have to do something to win, right?”
That’s the conundrum Daniels will face as he returns to action following a Week 2 elbow dislocation that was a repeat of what ended his second NFL season early.
Daniels traveled from coast to coast seeing specialists and getting medical opinions of what he should do next. He decided against surgery (during the season, at least) and to where a protective element over his elbow help prevent against another dislocation.
Daniels practiced in a limited capacity during Week 4 and was a full participant on Wednesday with the anticipation that he’ll play on Sunday against the New York Giants.
He talked a ton about getting used to the brace, and his steadfast decision to play on and return quickly despite the injury.
“I went through the process and it wasn’t the end of everything,” Daniels told on-site reporters during his weekly press conference. “I was blessed enough to still be allowed to play this game. I’m just going to go out there and embrace it. I’m going to embrace the brace. I’m not really worried to much about it. I’m going to be the best version of myself.”
The best version of Daniels is the 25-year-old playing free and having fun, with a style that’s productive and super fun to watch. He believes he can do all that despite the extra hardware, considering it’s his non-dominant hand.
“It’s my non-throwing arm,” Daniels said with a smile, “So as long as I’ve got the right one, I think I’ll be all right.”
Daniels was prudent about the fact he’s not quite sure how he’ll react in a game, whether he’ll take it a little bit easier or whether he’ll end up going full throttle in the heat of the moment.
He knows that the elbow brace is part of his playing existence now and it’s something he’ll have to handle.
“I’m trying to get used to it,” Daniels said. “It’s a part of me for the time being, so I’m getting a feel for it and find ways where it’s most comfortable and where I’m able to just go play.”
