LANDOVER, Md. — Jayden Daniels is scheduled for additional medical tests on Monday after sustaining a rib injury during the Washington Commanders’ game against the Carolina Panthers, according to coach Dan Quinn. He mentioned he had no new information regarding the rookie quarterback’s condition.
“I can’t provide an update on Jayden, but I will as soon as we know,” Quinn stated after the Commanders secured a 40-7 victory. “I’ll have some updates tomorrow, but nothing tonight.”
Daniels’ mother, Regina Jackson, took to social media to convey that her son is “fine.” Additionally, part owner Magic Johnson expressed his hopes that the injury would not be serious.
With aspirations for a playoff run this season, the Commanders currently hold a 5-2 record but are uncertain about Daniels’ status.
“It’s obviously going to take some time,” said veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota, who stepped in for Daniels and passed for two touchdowns and 205 yards. “We have no idea what’s going on. But he seemed to be in good spirits, and we’re just taking it day by day.”
Daniels, the second overall pick from LSU and 2023 Heisman Trophy winner, rushed for 46 yards on Washington’s first offensive play. He took several hits during the opening drive, although it remains unclear when exactly he was injured. Quinn confirmed it occurred on that initial drive.
Daniels appeared to be in discomfort when he left the field after a third-down completion preceding a field goal that put Washington ahead 10-0. Initially, he went to the bench but soon moved to the blue medical tent for evaluation.
After Andy Dalton’s second interception in the first quarter, Daniels exited the tent to throw a few passes before returning to the sideline, where he visibly struggled and then headed back to the tent, allowing Mariota to lead the offense.
“It’s tough for us to see him go down,” said top receiver Terry McLaurin. “Marcus did a great job stepping in.”
Daniels eventually walked off the sideline towards the locker room with a towel in hand.
“We warmed him up and he threw some, then we took him to the tent. The next step was to get images taken inside,” Quinn explained. “He’ll undergo more imaging tomorrow.”
By halftime, with Washington leading 27-0, Daniels returned to the sideline dressed in sweatpants and a hoodie, and the team soon declared him out for the rest of the game. He spent the remainder of the match chatting with teammates on the bench.
“We’re not going to put Daniels or anyone else in a situation where they could risk further injury,” Quinn added. “I don’t have medical information, so please avoid speculation.”
Daniels entered the game as a leading candidate for offensive rookie of the year, having thrown for 1,404 yards, rushed for 322 yards, and accounted for 10 touchdowns in his first six games.