Everyone has an opinion on Jayden Daniels after the quarterback suffered another dislocated elbow. Debates continue, and the Washington Commanders are still gathering information before deciding on next steps. But it seems he'll miss considerable time again.
Even though this is a huge setback, it shouldn't be concerning enough to jeopardize Daniels' long-term future as Washington's franchise player.
And there is one critical reason why.
Jayden Daniels' elbow injury is at least on his non-throwing harm, giving Commanders hope
There is clearly something amiss internally with Daniels' elbow. Surgery would help, but that will likely end his campaign before it begins. Short-term injured reserve seems possible, and the Arizona State product could even tough it out with a brace sooner rather than later.
But this is not on his throwing arm. And that is the critical element of the equation that provides hope for the future.
Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner, who now works as an analyst for ESPN and the NFL Network, noted how quickly he returned from the same injury during his playing career. He had to make some adjustments, but the non-throwing arm is much less significant.
Warner also doesn't think this should stop the Commanders from committing to a lengthy, long-term deal with Daniels when the time comes.
"I suffered the same injury in '07, and I played the next week. Braced it up, obviously got some shots, had to hand the football off with my right hand. Because it's his left arm, if he wants to play through that to get back out there and help his team, I believe he can do that. Because it's the left arm, I don't believe it's something to worry about long-term."
Obviously, there needs to be some context here.
Commanders and Jayden Daniels must be in sync after another crushing setback
This isn't the 90s or the 2000s anymore. More money is on the line, and players aren't taking the same career risks. And if the Commanders are going to give Daniels a deal in the $50-60 million-a-year range, they have to be completely convinced.
Just putting a brace on and seeing how things go won't cut it. There must be complete conviction.
Daniels has spent more time on the shelf than on the field since his rookie campaign for the ages. It's not ideal, but most of his problems have come through freak accidents rather than anything else.
But the NFL is a cruel business that cares little about any player's emotions.
All the talk and hearsay won't subside anytime soon. Daniels has to keep the main thing the main thing. And the Commanders need to examine the situation now while also keeping more than half an eye on the future.
Washington's chances of bouncing back have diminished significantly. Morale is low, and it'll take a massive effort to lift it without the No. 2 pick in 2024 to depend upon.
But for bigger decisions down the road, those in power will hope Daniels' ongoing injury issues don't jeopardize his ability to take this organization where it wants to go.
And until that day, perhaps the Commanders will hold off on giving Daniels the long-term security he may be looking for.
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