Jayden Daniels could return this week. But not before the Washington Commanders teach him this.

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ASHBURN, Va. — Jayden Daniels’ return to the field will include some added protections this time around.

Washington is putting their star quarterback through running back drills in practice. But instead of protecting the ball, they are urging him to focus on protecting his elbow.

“Think of it like a running back who clasps the ball [as he gets hit],” Quinn said. Daniels needs to “roll to the ground“ instead of extending his arm. “That’s the way we explained it to him and honestly, those are some of the drills we will be doing today.”

Daniels is returning this week after missing the last two weeks due to a dislocated elbow. He will wear a brace that doesn’t allow him to hyperextend his elbow, in theory preventing a recurrence of the injury.

This is the second time Daniels has dislocated his elbow. The first happened last year against the Seahawks. He tried to return after four weeks but aggravated the injury in his first game back. He took a block and fell on his elbow.

Quinn is hoping to avoid those unnecessary hits this time around.

“If he is scrambling, slide. Throw it out,” Quinn stressed.

Daniels was limited in all three practices last week in London. Quinn said he needed more time to be comfortable with the brace.

“It is definitely something we talk about,” Quinn said. “We are going to practice it. This is him moving forward on how we will play.”

Daniels will be without his typical backup quarterback, Marcus Mariota, this week after he sprained his MCL against the Colts. But the injury isn’t severe enough for him to go on the injured reserve, Quinn said, and they won’t sign another veteran backup. Quinn said he could return after Washington’s game against the 49ers.

“We are encouraged about what his return could look like,” Quinn said.