Jayden Daniels won’t be suiting up again in 2025, and the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year isn’t hiding how tough that is to swallow.
The Washington Commanders announced Monday that Daniels will sit out the final three games of the season after reaggravating the elbow injury he first sustained in Week 14 against the Minnesota Vikings. The setback came while he was trying to make a tackle after throwing an interception - a gritty play, but one that may have cost him the rest of his rookie campaign.
Speaking with reporters Tuesday, Daniels didn’t sugarcoat his emotions.
“Super tough, man,” he said. “I don't want to miss games at all.
It's been frustrating being associated with missing games. I want to be out there helping my teammates as much as possible, so it's just been a frustrating year at this point, but you learn from it and you move forward.”
That’s the mindset of a competitor - someone who doesn’t just want the ball in his hands, but feels responsible for lifting the entire locker room. And while Daniels won’t be on the field on game days, he’s not stepping away from the grind. Far from it.
He’s already made it clear that he plans to stay fully engaged, especially when it comes to supporting veteran backup Marcus Mariota, who will take over under center.
“I'll be out there practicing, whatever they need me to do,” Daniels said. “If I gotta do scout team, I'll have fun with that and give the best looks. ...
That's my focus, man. Being the best teammate in the locker room, anything Marcus needs - to be there for him.
And just how supportive he's been for me in my career, exchange roles and do that for him.”
That’s leadership - even if it’s not coming in the form of game-winning drives or highlight-reel plays. It’s the kind of presence that builds culture in a locker room. Daniels may be sidelined physically, but mentally, he’s still locked in.
Head coach Dan Quinn confirmed that Daniels specifically asked not to be placed on injured reserve, opting instead to stay active in practice. The plan is to keep him involved with scout team reps and post-practice work - a hybrid of physical reps and mental reps designed to keep his development on track.
“He'll work some of the scout cards on concepts that we have, so it'll be a little bit of a mix,” Quinn said. “Today's not quite as much, we're not going as fast, but even then there's some post-practice work that he'll do too.”
Daniels is approaching the downtime like a student of the game. He’s using the opportunity to deepen his understanding of situational football, picking the brains of coaches and teammates alike.
“Kind of have that time to really sit there and maybe ask DQ about situational football or go talk to [defensive backs coach Jason] Simmons and all those guys to see what they're thinking and how they would call this and what are the rules and principles,” Daniels said. “So, there's a lot I can learn.”
That’s the kind of attitude that bodes well for the long haul. Daniels has already shown he can make plays on the field - that’s what earned him Rookie of the Year honors. But this stretch, even without game action, could be just as valuable in shaping the quarterback he becomes.
The Commanders will host the Philadelphia Eagles this Saturday, with kickoff set for 5 p.m. ET on FOX.
Daniels won’t be in uniform, but don’t mistake that for being inactive. He’s still in the huddle - just in a different way.