Jayden Daniels exited the Commanders’ game against the Panthers in the first quarter due to a rib injury sustained during a quarterback scramble when he was rolled over by a defender.
The Washington Commanders are uncertain about Daniels’ availability for upcoming games following the injury, but they demonstrated their offensive strength in his absence by defeating Carolina 40-7. Daniels was injured on Washington’s opening possession and was later ruled out. Marcus Mariota stepped in as the substitute quarterback and had a successful performance, completing 18 of 23 passes for 205 yards and two touchdowns while orchestrating six scoring drives.
Head Coach Dan Quinn stated that there was “no update” on Daniels after the game, with further tests scheduled for Monday to assess the extent of his injury. He promised to provide updates once more information was available.
Following the game, Daniels’ mother reassured fans via social media that “he’s fine,” and reports indicated that initial X-rays showed no serious issues. He was seen on the sidelines wearing street clothes, smiling, and interacting with teammates, even sharing a hug with Carolina quarterback Bryce Young and Washington owner Josh Harris.
Mariota commented on the situation, noting the uncertainty surrounding Daniels’ condition but mentioned that he was in good spirits. The Commanders are set to face the Chicago Bears on Sunday in a game that highlights the competition between the top two quarterbacks from the draft, with Chicago selecting Caleb Williams just ahead of Daniels.
Receiver Terry McLaurin expressed confidence in Daniels’ resilience, emphasizing his toughness and dedication. Meanwhile, coaches and teammates were unsure precisely when the injury occurred, although it seemed to happen during a 46-yard run on the team’s first offensive play.
Daniels displayed signs of discomfort during subsequent plays, and after a handoff, he was evaluated by trainers on the sideline before being taken to the medical tent. Prior to Mariota taking over, Daniels attempted a warmup pass but grimaced in pain and left the field visibly upset.
This season, Daniels has been a key player for the Commanders, completing 75.3% of his passes for 1,404 yards, with six touchdowns and two interceptions, alongside 322 rushing yards and four touchdowns.
Tight end Zach Ertz praised Daniels as the team’s leader, expressing concern for his well-being but stating confidence in Mariota’s ability to lead the team. Mariota, who missed the beginning of the season due to a pectoral injury, managed the offense effectively, overcoming a shaky start by leading a significant touchdown drive just before halftime and finishing the game strong with minimal errors.
Quinn remarked positively on Mariota’s performance, noting the confidence he brought to the team and the supportive environment he fosters among players.