Commanders Shut Down Jayden Daniels for the Season, Look Ahead to Eagles Clash
The Washington Commanders are heading into a short week with a big decision already made: rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels is officially done for the season. Head coach Dan Quinn confirmed the news ahead of the team’s Week 16 showdown with the Philadelphia Eagles - the first of two matchups between the NFC East rivals in the final stretch of the season.
Daniels, who’s been battling an elbow injury that flared up again two weeks ago, hasn’t been medically cleared to return. And while the rookie was pushing hard to get back on the field, the team is erring on the side of caution. Daniels admitted the decision was tough to accept, especially after trying to get back in the game against the Vikings.
“Adrenaline is a hell of a drug,” Daniels said. “Things changed when stuff settled down.”
That quote says a lot - about his competitive fire, and about the reality of playing through pain in the NFL. Daniels wanted to gut it out, but once the adrenaline wore off, the injury spoke louder. For now, the Commanders are prioritizing his long-term health, and that’s the right call for a young quarterback who’s shown flashes of real promise this season.
Injury Updates: Drake Jackson Cleared, Laremy Tunsil Day-to-Day
Quinn also provided updates on a few other key players as the Commanders prepare for the Eagles.
Defensive end Drake Jackson, who was activated from injured reserve two weeks ago, is finally fully cleared. He’s been limited in practice since returning, but now looks ready to potentially make his debut for Washington. That’s a welcome boost for a defense that’s been searching for consistency on the edge.
On the offensive line, veteran tackle Laremy Tunsil remains a question mark. Tunsil exited Sunday’s game against the Giants twice - first with a shoulder issue, then with an oblique injury.
He wasn’t on the practice field to start the week, and his status for the Eagles game will depend on how he responds over the next few days. Simply put, the Commanders need to see him moving around before making any decisions.
Quinn also noted that the team doesn’t plan to activate any more players from injured reserve this season, signaling that the current roster is what they’ll roll with down the stretch.
What’s Next for Washington
With Daniels sidelined, the Commanders will turn to their backup quarterback - and likely lean more on the run game and defense - as they prepare for a tough divisional matchup. The Eagles are fighting for playoff positioning, and Washington would love nothing more than to play spoiler.
It’s been a challenging season in D.C., marked by injuries and inconsistency, but there’s still opportunity here. These final games are about evaluation, development, and setting the tone for 2026. And while Daniels won’t be on the field, his growth this year - both as a player and a leader - has given the franchise something to build around.
For now, the focus shifts to Philly. The Commanders are banged up, but they’re not backing down.