Jayden Daniels injury update: Why Commanders QB was shut down for rest of season

Mike Moraitis

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Jayden Daniels injury update: Why Commanders QB was shut down for rest of season image

The 2025 campaign has been a disaster for the Washington Commanders and quarterback Jayden Daniels.

After finishing just one win why of making it to the Super Bowl in 2024, Washington failed to make the playoffs this season.

Adding injury to insult, Daniels' second campaign in the NFL was marred by injury, with the reigning AP Offensive Player of the Year playing in just seven games.

As the Commanders navigate their final three games of this disappointing season, they won't have the services of Daniels, who was shut down for the remainder of Washington's campaign.

Here's why the Commanders did that.

Why Commanders shut Jayden Daniels down

After Daniels sustained a dislocated elbow in Week 9, it was initially believed he had suffered a season-ending issue, but that turned out not to be the case and instead he came back in Week 14.

That was a controversial decision, as many were calling for the Commanders to shut Daniels down instead of bringing him back with the team basically having nothing to play for.

Daniels went on to aggravate his elbow injury in his first game back, which led to him being ruled out in Week 15.

Finally, earlier this week, the Commanders made the decision to sit Daniels for the rest of the season. Head coach Dan Quinn said that with it being unlikely Daniels would play in Week 16 and 17, it made sense to just shut him down.

"He is not happy that he is going to be out, but that's where we're at," Quinn said.

Sure, Daniels won't be able to continue his development in actual games, but this is still the right move by the Commanders. There was just too much risk involved for Daniels and the Commanders and it was best to just turn the page to 2026.

Here's to hoping better things are ahead for Daniels and the Commanders.

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Staff Writer