The Washington Commanders have decided to shut down quarterback Jayden Daniels for the remainder of the 2025 season due to his elbow injury. Daniels, who re-aggravated the issue in Week 14, will not return until 2026, with backup Marcus Mariota set to start the final three games. The move comes as the 4-10 Commanders focus on his long-term health.
The Washington Commanders announced on Monday that they will shut down star quarterback Jayden Daniels for the rest of the 2025 season, prioritizing his recovery from a re-aggravated elbow injury. Daniels, the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year and No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, started just seven games this year amid multiple setbacks.
Daniels initially suffered knee and hamstring injuries early in the season before dislocating his left elbow during a Week 9 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. He attempted a return in Week 14 against the Minnesota Vikings but landed hard on the injured elbow while chasing down linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel after an interception, forcing him out again. Washington's medical staff re-evaluated Daniels on Monday but did not clear him to play, including for the upcoming Week 16 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles or the short-week game versus the Dallas Cowboys on Christmas.
Head coach Dan Quinn described the decision as "part medical, part team," noting the team's position outside playoff contention. Earlier, Quinn had expressed a desire for Daniels to play when healthy to aid his development. "I think it's important as Jayden's learning to play this position at the highest level competitively, also doing it safely, and those are reps, you know, that you develop as well," Quinn said. "It's a skill, just like throwing and processing. And so, all those things are important."
In his stellar 2024 rookie season, Daniels threw for 3,568 yards, 25 touchdowns, and nine interceptions, while rushing for 891 yards and six scores, leading the Commanders to a 12-5 record and an NFC Championship appearance. His 37 total touchdowns and 5,416 total yards, including playoffs, set NFL rookie records. This year, however, he went 2-5 in starts, passing for 1,262 yards, eight touchdowns, and three interceptions.
The season has been marred by injuries beyond Daniels. Star wide receiver Terry McLaurin missed half the games with a quad injury after signing a three-year, $96 million extension. The defense, statistically the NFL's second-worst, has been hit hard with players like Marshon Lattimore, Trey Amos, Dorance Armstrong, and Deatrich Wise Jr. on injured reserve. With Daniels sidelined, veteran Marcus Mariota will handle the final three games.