Commanders QB Jayden Daniels shut down for the season due to dislocated elbow
The Washington Commanders have shut down quarterback Jayden Daniels for the remainder of the season due to a dislocated elbow, opting to focus on his long-term health and recovery.
Why it matters: This decision underscores the Commanders' commitment to rebuilding their roster and prioritizing player longevity over immediate competition in a challenging season.
- With Daniels sidelined, Marcus Mariota will take over as the starting quarterback, impacting the team's offensive strategy as they look to finish strong despite the setbacks.
What’s new: The Commanders are officially ending Daniels' season after he suffered a dislocated elbow during a Week 14 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings.
- Daniels has not been cleared to play and is unlikely to participate in the upcoming game against Philadelphia.
By the numbers: In an injury-plagued season, Daniels played only seven games, finishing just four of them with modest statistics:
- 1,262 passing yards
- 8 touchdowns against 3 interceptions
- 278 rushing yards and 2 rushing touchdowns
Yes, but: Despite showing flashes of potential, Daniels’ inability to stay healthy has raised questions about his future role with the team.
- He missed two games due to a sprained left knee and one due to a hamstring injury before sustaining the elbow injury while trying to score against Seattle.
The big picture: The Commanders injury woes extend beyond Daniels; the team has seen a significant number of starters miss time this season.
- A staggering dozen starters have faced injuries, with nine players missing at least seven games, leading to a tumultuous campaign.
Our thought bubble: Head coach Dan Quinn's decision to shut down Daniels reflects a strategic pivot towards ensuring that young talent is developed responsibly.
- As Mariota steps in, the Commanders are likely to adjust their offensive scheme to better suit his experience and skill set, potentially leaning on a more conservative approach to mitigate risk.
Zoom In: Daniels expressed his frustration regarding the season's challenges, stating, "I don't want to miss games at all. It's been a frustrating year, disappointing year. You learn from it and move forward."
- His focus now turns to rehabilitation, emphasizing, "Longevity is a big thing, so you want to be smart with this."
The bottom line: For the Commanders, shutting down Jayden Daniels marks a crucial moment in their development process, as they look to build a stronger foundation for the future while navigating through a difficult season.
