Jayden Daniels tried with everything he had to get back and stay healthy this season. The Washington Commanders gave their superstar quarterback every chance to salvage something from the campaign, but it wasn't to be. And now, the signal-caller won't be seen in a competitive setting until 2026.
The Commanders shut Daniels down for their final three games. He's played just a handful of snaps since Week 9 after suffering a dislocated elbow against the Seattle Seahawks. Reaggravating the problem against the Minnesota Vikings was the final straw, and the risk now far outweighs the reward of his participation.
Daniels was disappointed, but at least he is getting the chance to practice. The former LSU phenom hasn't been cleared for contact yet. With two games in quick succession over the festive period, including a Christmas Day encounter against the Dallas Cowboys, there was no point in stringing everyone along anymore.
Commanders insider believes the team is right for saving Jayden Daniels from himself
JP Finlay of NBC Sports acknowledged that Daniels' competitiveness almost dictates that he play more often. However, the insider also thought Washington was making the correct move by taking him out of the firing line in a lost season.
"Jayden Daniels is a super tough player, and I know he wants to play, but shutting him down makes sense for Washington. The season is lost, and if he's not cleared for Week 16, not worth the risk in Weeks 17 & 18."JP Finlay
This is a fair assessment. Daniels going back out there would do more harm than good. It's not a situation anyone expected, and the dynamic dual-threat has been highly durable throughout his college and pro career before this season. Sometimes it doesn't go your way, and quitting while you're ahead isn't the same as quitting.
Whether Quinn got his hand forced by general manager Adam Peters is debatable. There is a need to protect Washington's most significant investment. Saving him from himself is a drastic measure, but it was necessary.
That's the quiet truth that Finlay said out loud. Everyone in the building knows it. The fan base was gradually accepting it. Nothing much has gone right for the Commanders this season. Subjecting Daniels to more unnecessary punishment is not smart.
Based on Quinn's comments, Daniels didn't take the news too well. But the greater good is far more critical. When the dust settles, there will be some form of acceptance from the player.
Anything less, and Daniels is missing the bigger picture entirely.