Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels started Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears despite battling a rib injury.

Daniels was listed as questionable, and commanders waited to see how he was doing Sunday during pregame warmups before deciding he could start.

Daniels did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday, but had limited participation on Friday and completed walk-through training in Washington on Saturday.

Daniels injured his rib on his first play from scrimmage last Sunday in a win over the Carolina Panthers. He was replaced by Marcus Mariota, who completed 18 of 23 passes for 205 yards and two touchdowns.

With Daniels playing, Sunday’s matchup represents a battle between the respective Nos. 1 and 2 picks in the 2024 draft – Chicago quarterback Caleb Williams and Daniels.

Daniels is said to have recognized the importance and significance of a game against Williams, as well as the importance of this contest to Washington’s season. The Commanders (5-2) enter Sunday in first place in the NFC East, a half game ahead of the Philadelphia Eagles (4-2).

“He would want to play if he were missing his right leg,” a team official told ESPN.

ESPN’s John Keim contributed to this report.