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John Keim
The Washington Commanders’ quarterback Jayden Daniels is out for the remainder of the season, a conclusion reached by the team just a week following his aggravated dislocated left elbow.
Coach Dan Quinn indicated that Daniels has yet to be cleared for contact and is not expected to compete Saturday against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Washington faces a brief week ahead of their Christmas Day matchup, and Quinn noted that this timeline isn’t optimal for Daniels’ return. Nevertheless, he will keep practicing with the squad.
«He is not pleased about his absence, but that’s the situation,» Quinn commented.
Daniels had already been sidelined for six games due to various injuries, including the dislocated elbow sustained on Nov. 9. He made his comeback in a game against Minnesota on Dec. 7 but left in the third quarter after injuring his elbow again when he was tackled following an interception.
After the game, Quinn mentioned that while Daniels could have returned, he later stated that additional tests indicated the injury had worsened.
«We thought we had a solid plan for the next five [games], and I would say, ‘Man plans and God laughs,'» Quinn expressed. «So you formulate a good plan and then find yourself needing to adjust it.»
Veteran Marcus Mariota is set to start the remaining three games for Washington (4-10), which ended its eight-game losing streak on Sunday.
Daniels has participated in only seven games this season, departing from each of the last three due to injuries — or, as was the case in Minnesota during Week 14, re-aggravating his non-throwing elbow.
The Commanders will conclude the season with nine starters from their anticipated camp lineup missing at least seven games. Only one starter in 2024 missed that many matches.
Quinn notified Daniels of the decision on Monday afternoon, stating that Daniels was «disappointed but understood.» General manager Adam Peters also conferred with Daniels on Monday. Quinn additionally mentioned that they deliberated the decision with owner Josh Harris.
Quinn clarified that the fact Daniels left his last three games due to injuries did not influence their decision. He also refrained from commenting on whether Daniels would play if their record was 10-4.
«We’re not in that position, so that conversation didn’t happen,» Quinn remarked.
Washington stressed the importance of Daniels playing more this season for his development. While that remains the preferred approach, Quinn said Daniels preferred not to go on injured reserve so he could continue practicing.
«The best way to grow is in a game,» Quinn noted. «But that doesn’t rule out putting maximum effort into practice and addressing specific areas we want to improve. We’ll always prioritize the best interests of the team and the player, but we can also make good use of this period. And as I’ve said, I hope that when he’s reflecting a year from now, he’ll think, ‘That offered me a new perspective.’ I want him to derive value from this time, and that’s our goal.»
Daniels concludes his second season with 1,262 yards, 8 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions. He also accumulated 278 yards rushing with two touchdowns.
In 2024, Daniels earned the NFL’s offensive rookie of the year title after passing for 3,568 yards, 25 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. He also ran for 891 yards and six touchdowns.
However, injuries characterized his second season. He twisted his left knee in Week 2 when, after scrambling, he was struck by a helmet. Daniels missed two contests as a result. In his third game back, he hurt his right hamstring due to a tackle from a blitzing defender, leading him to miss one start.
He dislocated his left elbow in a game against Seattle on Nov. 9 while attempting to score during a scramble with 7 minutes and 39 seconds remaining, when the Commanders were down 38-7.
Quinn expressed that they want Daniels to enhance his ability to remain a passer while moving and to keep his gaze downfield.
«That’s going to be a crucial part of our approach,» Quinn emphasized, «recognizing his significance.»
