It's been a rocky second professional season for quarterback Jayden Daniels. The pendulum completely shifted after a phenomenal rookie campaign, and the Washington Commanders have now decided to put the No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft out of his misery.
Head coach Dan Quinn confirmed that the Commanders have officially shut Daniels down for the final three games, bringing his campaign to an abrupt halt. He reportedly didn't like it, but the quick turnaround in Week 16 and 17, coupled with the fact that he hasn't been cleared for contact yet, left the staff with one viable option.
Daniels tried valiantly to get back. He's still going to practice, but not much else. Debates have raged about the benefits of playing or sitting out. But after so much confusion, there is finally some clarity.
Commanders were never bringing Jayden Daniels back after one setback too many
It was the correct call. And according to Quinn, who discussed the topic during his latest media availability, it was a collective process.
"Part medical and part team. He's still not clear to play. We believe this decision allows him to take advantage of the next few weeks. He wants to practice and will practice."Dan Quinn
This confirmed what Commanders fans have always suspected. Once Daniels reaggravated an elbow problem during his first game back against the Minnesota Vikings, he was never coming back. Whether it was the medical team, Quinn, or general manager Adam Peters who forced the issue of sitting the LSU product is unclear. Perhaps it was a combination of all three, but this outcome was always more likely than not.
The Commanders played the New York Giants on Sunday. They host the Philadelphia Eagles on Saturday. They play the Dallas Cowboys on Christmas Day (Thursday). That is a lot of football in a short timeframe, and if Daniels hasn't been cleared by now, there is absolutely no point dragging this out any longer.
Daniels is still involved. He'll provide sound support for Marcus Mariota as the veteran looks to end his campaign on a high note. It'll be a gradual route back to recovery, but he should be raring to go when preparations for the 2026 campaign begin.
Some fans might not like it, but it is what it is at this point. The Commanders are going nowhere fast. The games come thick and fast over the festive period, and Kliff Kingsbury's offense is functioning just fine with Mariota leading the charge.
And sometimes, there is nothing wrong with living to fight another day.