The Washington Commanders will be without star quarterback Jayden Daniels against the New York Giants due to an elbow injury. Should the Commanders sit Daniels for the rest of the season?
Jayden Daniels Injury Update
HC Dan Quinn announced that Marcus Mariota will start this Sunday vs. the Giants. QB Jayden Daniels has been ruled OUT
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) December 10, 2025
Another week, another game Daniels can’t play.
Coach Dan Quinn announced that Daniels has been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Giants. Marcus Mariota will start instead.
Daniels reaggravated his left elbow injury late in the third quarter of Week 14’s 31-0 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Quinn said that Daniels could have returned to the game had the score been close. Down 17-0, Quinn played it safe and sat Daniels the rest of the way.
Daniels dislocated his elbow in Week 9’s loss to the Seattle Seahawks and missed the ensuing three games. The second-year quarterback returned to action last week, finishing 9 of 20 for 78 yards and one interception.
It’s been an injury-riddled year for Daniels, who has missed seven games due to elbow, hamstring, and knee injuries.
Daniels is 114 of 188 for 1,262 yards, eight touchdowns, and three interceptions in seven games this season. On the ground, Daniels has accumulated 278 yards and two touchdowns.
Should the Commanders Shut Daniels Down?
LIVE: HC Dan Quinn speaks to the media before practice https://t.co/yMZhZvS3Ie
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) December 10, 2025
After a magical 2024 campaign that ended in the NFC Championship, the Commanders’ 2025 season has been a total nightmare. It all starts with the injuries to Daniels, but Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel have missed time. Also, Zach Ertz recently suffered a season-ending knee injury.
The Commanders’ offense was one of the most explosive units in 2024, ranking in the top seven in total offense (369.6 yards per game) and scoring (28.5 points per game). This season, Washington ranks 18th in total offense (327.5 yards per game) and 24th in scoring (20.2 points per game).
Quinn said on Wednesday that Daniels suffered “no structural damage,” meaning he could return as early as next week against the Philadelphia Eagles.
At this point, why even allow Daniels to play this season? With a 3-10 record, the Commanders have been officially eliminated from postseason contention. However, Quinn has not approached Daniels with the option to shut him down the rest of the way.
“As far as what decisions are ahead, we just haven’t gone down that road,” Quinn said. “He’s working incredibly hard to get back with the guys.”
Daniels has already proved he can be a franchise quarterback. See the 2024 season as evidence. Rushing an injured Daniels back to play in three meaningless games is borderline reckless.
The Giants (2-11) host the Commanders on Dec. 14.
