Jayden Daniels has been itching to get back involved and help the Washington Commanders end the 2025 campaign on a positive note. And the quarterback has got his wish.
Debates among the fan base and in the media have primarily centered on whether Daniels should be shut down for the season, given the Commanders' 3-9 record when a bold playoff push was expected. He's been through a lot in Year 2 of his professional career, and another setback could have graver ramifications attached.
Sitting Daniels out was never really an option. There is never a good time to throw him into the fire, and his competitive nature demands that he be out there with his teammates, leading the charge in his dynamic way. That was only going to happen once the Commanders were suitably happy with his progress from a dislocated elbow suffered against the Seattle Seahawks.
Daniels has been back at practice for two weeks now, even though the Commanders haven't cleared him for contact. Head coach Dan Quinn was taking things slowly, but the former LSU star was tabbed as a full participant during Thursday's session, instantly raising enormous optimism among the fan base.
Jayden Daniels is back and will start for the Commanders in Week 14
All eyes were on how Daniels responded to an increased workload before his eventual status for Week 14 at the Minnesota Vikings was confirmed. As it turned out, Quinn declared that the quarterback is returning and will start at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Regardless of how this played out, not everyone would be happy. Some fans are adamant that the Commanders should bubble-wrap Daniels with nothing left to play for other than pride. Others want to salvage something from the campaign, and having the reigning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year gives Washington the best opportunity to do that.
Both arguments are valid. But the only opinions that matter come from Daniels, Quinn, and Washington's medical team.
That's it.
Daniels might have to alter his style of play slightly versus the blitz-happy Vikings. Quinn stated that he is looking sharp from a throwing standpoint, so hopes are high that he can hit the ground running and provide the spark needed when he returns to the lineup once again.
The Commanders wouldn't have done this if they didn't believe Daniels was all systems go. And make no mistake, they are a better team when he's leading from the front.