Vikings guard Donovan Jackson returns to practice; Jayden Daniels takes every rep for Commanders

Vikings

Left guard Donovan Jackson returned to practice Thursday as a limited participant, meaning he could have a chance to play Sunday against Washington. Left tackle Christian Darrisaw did not practice, but that has been part of his typical weekly routine while managing last year’s knee injury. He’s expected to practice Friday and play Sunday.

Guard Blake Brandel, who would replace Jackson if needed, has progressed through the concussion protocol. He was a full participant and no longer needed the red, no-contact jersey.

Defensive tackle Levi Drake Rodriguez remains out due to a neck injury.

Four starters remain limited by injuries: outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard (shoulder), safety Josh Metellus (shoulder), running back Aaron Jones Sr. (shoulder) and safety Theo Jackson (neck).

Center Ryan Kelly (hip), running back Ty Chandler (knee) and defensive tackle Jalen Redmond (hip) were upgraded to full participants.

Commanders

Defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw (back) returned to practice as a full participant. Linebacker Bobby Wagner (knee) remains sidelined.

Vikings

Rookie left guard Donovan Jackson did not practice Wednesday as he continues working back from an ankle injury suffered against the Packers on Nov. 23.

Jackson was out all last week and was inactive against the Seahawks on Sunday.

Blake Brandel played in his place but is in concussion protocol this week. Though Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said Monday that Brandel had no symptoms, he wore a red, no-contact jersey Wednesday and was listed as limited.

Jackson missed the Vikings’ two international games following wrist surgery on an injury suffered against the Falcons on Sept. 14.

Quarterback J.J. McCarthy (concussion) was a full participant in practice, putting him on track to play Sunday against the Commanders after missing his sixth game of the season.

Defensive lineman Levi Drake Rodriguez (neck) was the only other non-participant besides Jackson.

Safety Josh Metellus, who made two trips to the sideline medical tent during Sunday’s loss to the Seahawks, was limited. He was listed with a shoulder injury.

Safety Theo Jackson (neck), running back Aaron Jones Sr. (shoulder), center Ryan Kelly (hip flexor), defensive lineman Jalen Redmond (hip), defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (rest), defensive lineman Javon Hargrave (rest) and safety Harrison Smith (rest) were also limited.

The Vikings designated running back Ty Chandler to return from injured reserve, opening his 21-day practice window. He was limited on Wednesday.

Chandler suffered a knee injury on the opening kickoff in the season opener against the Bears on Sept. 8 but played through the remainder of the game.

“He’s been doing a really good job working his way back,” O’Connell said. “Timing’s good with Corey Kiner getting poached by the Cardinals off of our practice squad. Having Ty out there will be really good to have him back.”

Commanders

Coach Dan Quinn said Wednesday that team medical staff still has not cleared quarterback Jayden Daniels (left elbow) for contact but that he was “optimistic he’s gonna get a lot of reps for practice.” The decision on whether he plays Sunday will be taken all the way to Friday.

“There’s still like functional evaluations to go through, but game plan, practicing and that part is good,” Quinn told reporters. “You’ll see on the side, it’s a little more challenging to work at quarterback when you’re not doing quarterback when you’re not doing the same contact, so we’ll have to simulate as much as we can. But he’s off to a good start.”

Also limited was linebacker Frankie Luvu (shoulder). Tight end Zach Ertz (rest), defensive end Drake Jackson (knee/groin), defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw (back), outside linebacker Von Miller (rest), tackle Laremy Tunsil (rest) and linebacker Bobby Wagner (knee) did not practice.