Jayden Daniels is not going to play this weekend against the New York Giants. And the latest update from head coach Dan Quinn didn't exactly hold out much hope for any involvement over the Washington Commanders' remaining three contests.
And some sections of the fan base won't be complaining about that.
The Commanders got Daniels back under center last time out against the Minnesota Vikings. It didn't go well, and while chasing down an interception, he took a hard fall on his injured elbow. Quinn didn't risk him the rest of the way, despite the signal-caller reportedly being cleared to do so. That was the right call, especially given how things were going.
Commanders are stuck with more Jayden Daniels uncertainty than ever
Daniels didn't come out of the game well. The Commanders ruled him out of Week 15 almost immediately, but the former LSU standout is still practicing in a limited capacity. The situation is coming under increasing scrutiny, with wild rumors and fierce criticism being laid at Washington's door for its perceived mismanagement.
Quinn confirmed to the media that Daniels has not yet been cleared for contact. They would let his health decide things from here on, but this doesn't paint the most promising picture, given that time is of the essence before the campaign concludes.
This whole saga with Daniels has become a tiresome exercise. It's a microcosm of how things have unfolded for the Commanders this season, and fans are fed up. Quinn is probably too, but it's his job to keep everyone motivated and focused as everything around him crumbles.
Daniels will push to play. He's a highly competitive individual who wants to salvage something from the season. The No. 2 pick in 2024 also needs the reps, because he hasn't shone under center even when healthy this season.
It's an exhausting loop. Daniels has played just seven games this season. The Commanders have only won two of those contests. His completion percentage is down, and his QBR has dropped 27.7 points from his phenomenal rookie efforts. Injuries haven't helped, so one has to wonder whether there is any point dragging this out week to week anymore.
Clarity is key. The Commanders are taking every precaution and are in no position to take unnecessary risks at 3-10. But from a fan perspective, it's only adding to the frustrations of a campaign that promised much and delivered almost nothing.
With a knee sprain, a low-grade hamstring strain, and a dislocated elbow, it's been a wait-and-see scenario. Fans should expect this depressingly familiar reality to continue.