Shutting down quarterback Jayden Daniels for the final three games was the correct call. The Washington Commanders aren't playing for much, and with the No. 2 pick in 2024 still awaiting clearance for contact, those in power took the decision out of his hands.
And one team pundit doesn't believe the Commanders should stop there.
Daniels didn't like the outcome. He's still going to practice, but there will be no more live fire thrown in his direction. That'll be tough to swallow for someone so competitive, and even though it's got the scope to make some in the locker room think twice about why they are putting their bodies on the line, it's the right thing to do in the circumstances.
Commanders pundit believes Dan Quinn should shut down other veterans alongside Jayden Daniels
Grant Paulsen of 106.7 The Fan thought the Commanders should shut down other established veterans after the latest development involving Daniels. If the team's priorities have shifted, limiting the risk of injury shouldn't be limited to the franchise player. This would also provide younger players with vital reps to aid their development.
"With the Commanders shutting down Jayden Daniels for the final three games, they should shut down other vital starters, too. Terry McLaurin is paramount to the cause next year (as we just saw in 2025). He shouldn't play again in the final three. Same with Javon Kinlaw and Daron Payne at DT. They have nothing to prove. John Bates is a big piece as a blocking TE. Shut them down and play young guys. If the priority is on avoiding injuries and making sure you're ready to hit the ground sprinting in OTAs -- not on getting key reps in the final weeks -- that's fine. But go all the way in."Grant Paulsen
Sounds nice, in theory. But it's not going to happen.
The Commanders only have so many roster spots. Shutting down every influential player is impossible. Besides, quarterbacks are exceptional cases, and the same rules don't apply to them.
They are more valuable. You're nothing without one. Daniels proved last season that he's the guy. Things haven't gone according to plan this season, but there is still supreme confidence in his ability to take the Commanders where they want to go once he gets healthy.
Terry McLaurin has missed enough games this season due to injury. Daron Payne might be gone next season. John Bates is needed with Zach Ertz out with a torn ACL. Playing with those who have less experience is almost imperative, but it should be done on a case-by-case basis.
If certain players in the locker room are feeling a type of way about Daniels getting preferential treatment, they should look at how things have gone for the signal-caller this season, and about the bigger picture beyond this season.
It's that simple.