The Washington Commanders have ruled out quarterback Jayden Daniels for the remainder of the 2025 season following a left elbow injury that he aggravated in Week 14. This decision was made after a series of injuries plagued Daniels and several key offensive players, significantly impacting the team’s performance. Once a top contender in the NFL, Washington’s offense has struggled to score, leaving fans and analysts questioning the team’s direction.
In a recent statement, Commanders’ head coach Kliff Kingsbury expressed his disappointment over Daniels’ situation. “Disappointed for him,” Kingsbury remarked. “Like I’ve said before, he loves to practice, loves to play, loves all parts of the game, but, you know, [General Manager] AP [Adam Peters] and [Head Coach] DQ [Dan Quinn] came to a decision on it, and so that’s kind of part of the game.” The decision to shut down Daniels was made with his long-term health in mind, reflecting a commitment to both the player and the franchise’s future.
Despite being sidelined, Daniels has shown determination in his approach to the game. Kingsbury noted the challenges in assessing his quarterback’s performance this season due to frequent absences. “Yeah, no doubt. I think with how it went, it’s just hard to get an assessment, but he did all the things you can ask him as preparation and practice habits, things of that nature,” Kingsbury said. “Just was one of those years with inconsistency as far as availability, unfortunately.”
When Daniels did take the field, his performance did not match the high standards set in the previous season. Although injuries played a significant role, Kingsbury does not believe a lack of confidence contributed to the quarterback’s struggles. “No, I don’t,” he stated firmly. “I think these are things you have to go through as a young player, you know, it’s part of the deal, developing thicker skin, and you know, mental toughness through some of this adversity.”
Daniels’ season has been marred by uncertainty. He has faced not only physical challenges but also a lack of support from key teammates, including star wide receiver Terry McLaurin, who was absent for a significant portion of the season. The Commanders have three games left, and while many fans are eager for the season to conclude, players and coaches continue to view each matchup as a valuable opportunity for growth and improvement.
As the Commanders look ahead, the emphasis remains on supporting Daniels through this difficult period. The experience gained, even during setbacks, is seen as crucial for his future development in the league. The 2025 season may not have unfolded as hoped, but the lessons learned could pave the way for a stronger performance in the years to come.
