The Washington Commanders have officially ruled quarterback Jayden Daniels out for the rest of the season following the aggravation of his dislocated left elbow, head coach Dan Quinn announced Monday.
Daniels has not been cleared for contact and was unlikely to play Saturday against the Philadelphia Eagles. With Washington also facing a short turnaround before a Christmas Day game, the team decided it was not an ideal situation for his return. Despite being sidelined, Daniels will continue practicing with the team.
Quinn said Daniels was frustrated by the decision but understands the circumstances. The quarterback had already missed six games this season with multiple injuries, including the elbow injury he suffered on Nov. 9. He returned on Dec. 7 against the Minnesota Vikings but exited in the third quarter after falling on the same elbow following an interception.
While Daniels initially could have returned to that game, further testing later revealed he had aggravated the injury. Quinn acknowledged the setback forced the team to adjust its original plans for the remainder of the season.
Veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota will start the final three games for Washington, which currently sits at 4–10 after snapping an eight-game losing streak on Sunday.
Daniels appeared in just seven games this season and left each of his last three contests due to injury or re-injury. The Commanders will end the year with nine projected training camp starters missing at least seven games—an unusually high number compared to last season.
Quinn informed Daniels of the shutdown decision Monday afternoon, with general manager Adam Peters and team owner Josh Harris also involved in the discussions. Quinn emphasized that the decision was not influenced by Daniels exiting his last three games early, nor did he speculate on whether the outcome would have been different if the team were in playoff contention.
While Washington had stressed the importance of in-game reps for Daniels’ development, Quinn said the quarterback preferred not to be placed on injured reserve so he could continue practicing and refining specific areas of his game.
Daniels finishes his second NFL season with 1,262 passing yards, eight touchdowns, and three interceptions, along with 278 rushing yards and two rushing scores. His rookie season in 2024 was far more productive, earning him NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors after he threw for 3,568 yards and 25 touchdowns while adding 891 rushing yards and six scores.
Injuries ultimately defined Daniels’ second year. He suffered a left knee sprain in Week 2, a right hamstring injury later in the season, and the dislocated left elbow against Seattle on Nov. 9 while attempting to score on a scramble.
Quinn said a key focus moving forward will be helping Daniels develop as a passer while on the move and keeping his eyes downfield, stressing how vital the young quarterback is to the Commanders’ future.
