Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels is set to return to practice this week, though he has not yet been cleared for contact and is unlikely to participate in the upcoming Week 13 game against the Denver Broncos on “Sunday Night Football,” according to head coach Dan Quinn. Daniels has been sidelined since suffering a dislocated elbow in Week 9 during a confrontation with the Seattle Seahawks.
This season has been challenging for the 24-year-old quarterback, who has faced numerous injuries, including a sprained knee in the Commanders’ Week 2 loss to the Green Bay Packers and missed games due to a hamstring injury. As a result, Daniels has only taken the field in six of the 11 games played this season. Although he achieved notable stats of 1,184 passing yards, accompanied by eight touchdowns and two interceptions, and has rushed for 262 yards and two touchdowns, his numbers have declined significantly when compared to his impressive Offensive Rookie of the Year-winning performance last year.
Despite the team’s struggles this season, with a current record of 3-8 following a six-game losing streak, Quinn emphasized that the organization hasn’t discussed the possibility of shutting Daniels down for the remainder of the year. He acknowledged the importance of getting Daniels back on the field, particularly as he develops his skills at a high level, while assuring that they will make cautious decisions regarding his recovery.
In Daniels’ absence, veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota has stepped in. The Commanders have been heavily impacted by injuries not only to Daniels but also to key players, including wide receiver Terry McLaurin, who has only played in four games, and fellow starter Noah Brown, who has missed most of his games. Additionally, running back Austin Ekeler and top pass rusher Dorance Armstrong are among several other players who are out for the season.
With upcoming matchups against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 14 and the New York Giants in Week 15, there remains hope within the organization for a turnaround, and finding a way to successfully reintegrate Daniels will be crucial for the team’s future performance. Quinn’s commitment to both the player’s health and the team’s skill development reflects a balanced approach during a testing season.