Jayden Daniels’ Week 15 Status in Doubt as Commanders Weigh Health vs. Future
The Washington Commanders are facing a tough decision heading into Week 15, and it centers around their franchise quarterback, Jayden Daniels. After re-aggravating his left elbow during the team’s loss to the Minnesota Vikings, Daniels’ availability for Sunday’s matchup against the New York Giants is officially up in the air. Head coach Dan Quinn noted that Daniels is dealing with soreness early in the week, and all eyes will be on the team’s first official practice report on Wednesday.
The uncertainty around Daniels is already shaking up the betting lines. Washington originally opened as 1.5-point underdogs, but with Daniels’ status in question, the line has shifted a full point - the Giants are now favored by 2.5 at DraftKings Sportsbook. That kind of movement is a clear signal from oddsmakers: they’re preparing for the possibility that Daniels might not suit up.
Dan Quinn on Jayden Daniels. Said the elbow is sore, but mo long-term concern. TBD on whether he plays on Sunday.
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) December 8, 2025
And it wouldn’t be a shocking development. Daniels has had a rough go of it in 2025, battling through a trio of injuries - knee, hamstring, and now elbow - that have limited him to just seven games this season.
In those appearances, he’s led Washington to a 2-5 record, completing 60.6% of his passes for 1,262 yards, eight touchdowns, and three interceptions. It’s a far cry from the electric rookie campaign that saw him take the Commanders all the way to the NFC Championship Game.
With Washington officially out of playoff contention, the calculus changes. There’s no postseason push to chase, and with four games remaining, the Commanders have to weigh the risk of further injury against the long-term health of their young quarterback. That could mean a conservative approach - either resting Daniels this week or potentially shutting him down for the remainder of the season to preserve his future.
Last week, Daniels was able to log a full practice late in the week before taking the field against Minnesota, so there’s precedent for a midweek turnaround. But if Wednesday’s report lists him as limited or a non-participant, expect the line to continue tilting in the Giants’ favor.
For Washington, this isn’t just about one game. It’s about protecting the investment they made with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft - a player who, when healthy, has already shown the kind of upside that can change the trajectory of a franchise. The next few days will tell us a lot about how the Commanders plan to balance short-term competitiveness with long-term vision.