Jayden Daniels Returns, But Commanders’ Troubles Continue in Loss to Vikings
The Washington Commanders came into Week 14 with little more than pride to play for, sitting at 3-9 and well outside the NFC playoff picture. But amid a difficult season, there was a flicker of optimism: Jayden Daniels was back under center.
Andrew Van Ginkel with the INT. Jayden Daniels takes a hit during the return.
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 7, 2025
📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/4KLY5HHfT6
The second-year quarterback had missed significant time this season, most recently sidelined by a dislocated elbow suffered in Week 9. His return on Sunday against the Vikings wasn’t expected, but he was cleared to play - a welcome sight for a team desperate for something to build on.
But facing Brian Flores’ aggressive Minnesota defense is no easy way to shake off rust, and Daniels felt that immediately. The Commanders were shut out in the first half, and when Daniels tried to spark something on the opening drive of the third quarter, it quickly unraveled. His pass was picked off by linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel, and what happened next was a snapshot of the Commanders’ season in a nutshell.
Daniels, showing hustle and heart, chased Van Ginkel down the sideline in an effort to prevent a pick-six. But while trying to make the stop, he was leveled by defensive back Isaiah Rodgers, who was blocking for Van Ginkel.
Daniels hit the turf hard, appearing to land on the same elbow that had sidelined him for the past month. He stayed down, clearly in pain, before eventually jogging off the field and heading into the blue medical tent.
Shortly after, Daniels was listed as questionable to return with a left elbow injury - the same one that’s been a concern all season. Marcus Mariota came in to replace him and promptly threw an interception of his own, continuing a frustrating afternoon for Washington’s offense.
The hope now is that Daniels didn’t aggravate the injury too severely, but even if the damage was minimal, it’s hard to imagine the Commanders risking him further in what’s shaping up to be a lost season. Daniels is the future in D.C., and with the playoffs out of reach, preserving his health becomes the top priority.
The reps would be valuable, no doubt - every snap matters for a young quarterback still finding his rhythm in the NFL. But not at the cost of long-term durability.
It was a tough day all around for the Commanders - shut out early, turnover-prone, and now once again facing questions at quarterback. For Daniels, the return was supposed to be a step forward. Instead, it ended with more uncertainty.