With the Commanders shutting down Jayden Daniels for the final three games, they should shut down other vital starters too.
Terry McLaurin is paramount to the cause next year (as we just saw in 2025). He shouldn’t play again in the final three. Same with Javon Kinlaw and Daron…
— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) December 15, 2025
For what almost felt inevitable for weeks, the Washington Commanders finally ended quarterback Jayden Daniels’ 2025 season on Monday. Daniels, the 2024 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, has suffered three separate injuries this season, costing him seven starts. Daniels’ struggles mirror Washington’s troubles, as the Commanders, who were 12-5 last season, sit at 4-10 with four games remaining this season.
Daniels first sprained his knee in a Week 2 loss at Green Bay, which cost him two games. After returning, Daniels started the next three games before straining his hamstring in a Week 7 loss at Dallas. That cost him one start. He returned in Week 9, and in the fourth quarter of a blowout loss to Seattle, Daniels was scrambling to his right when he was tackled, landing on his left elbow. Daniels dislocated his non-throwing elbow, missing the next three games.
He returned in Week 14, only to land on the left arm while chasing down an opposing player after an interception. Daniels didn’t play in Week 15.
“We’re going to sit him for the final three games,” head coach Dan Quinn said on Monday. “And I know your first question likely is, ‘well, DQ what went into that?’ and the answer is it was a lot. And part medical and part team. As of today, he still wasn’t all the way clear to play. So, like last week, wouldn’t have all the results until the end of the week, and then a short week next week with the Christmas game. So, we believe this decision allows him to take advantage of the next few weeks in a different way. He wants to practice, and he will practice.”
As you can imagine, there were plenty of reactions regarding Washington’s decision. Opinions were split after his elbow injury on whether he should just shut it down for the season or return to play when healthy. Daniels wants to play, but the team is playing it safe over the last three games in what is a lost season.
Here are some of the reactions to Washington’s decision.
Grant PaulsenAl Galdi
Jayden Daniels over five seasons as a collegiate QB1 played in 55 of a possible 57 games.
He last season played in all 20 of Washington’s regular-season and postseason games.
His overall track record is one of durability. Hopefully this season is just an outlier.
— Al Galdi (@AlGaldi) December 15, 2025Jamual Forrest of ‘Trap or Dive’ podcast
Jayden ends his second season with having played just four full games. I would’ve never seen anything close to that coming before the season started.
— Jamual (@LetMualTellit) December 15, 2025Danny RouhierJP Finlay
Jayden Daniels is a super tough player and I know he wants to play, but shutting him down makes sense for Washington. The season is lost and if he’s not cleared for Wk 16 not worth the risk in Wks 17 & 18.
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) December 15, 2025Barry Svrluga of The Washington Post
The Commanders squandered opportunities to re-establish their franchise QB?
Welcome to an offseason of “Can he stay healthy?” and “Will he rediscover the magic?” questions.
If he’s healthy, he should play. Thoughts below. https://t.co/1wzt2ml2Lb
— Barry Svrluga (@barrysvrluga) December 16, 2025More reactions
Although I thought he should play if healthy, sitting Jayden for the rest of the season is the right call. Give him a chance to enter the offseason healthy and ready for all offseason activities.
My concern is with what happens moving forward. I’m afraid every play call,…
— Disco (@discoque90) December 15, 2025
He’s come back to play in a knee brace and an arm brace.
His toughness throughout the season never wavered, giving everything he had in each game he played.
God gives His toughest battles to His strongest soldiers @JayD__5 💛. We are lucky to have you.
Rest up, 5️⃣🙏🏾 https://t.co/jMvF8iLmh8 pic.twitter.com/dv0crtxLBy
— Ye (@JaydenHeisman) December 15, 2025
The concern for Jayden Daniels’ future should be omni-present.
If one person says they’re not constantly concerned, that’s the wrong side of reality.
U hope this was an anomaly.
There’s no real reason to think that it is & was.
Appreciate that he wants to practice but..
— Chris Russell AKA the 🐓🐓! (@Russellmania621) December 16, 2025
Gonna be a looooong time until we watch Jayden Daniels play football again.
Sucks. But totally the right call.
— Damien Bartonek (@tvBartonek) December 15, 2025
Jayden Daniels no doubt in my mind will be back to his rookie of the year self next season! This whole year was off for everyone and I believe Adam Peters will give him way more help with better WRs and some speed at TE/RB. Don’t doubt JD5 he will put in the work believe that!
— Zac (@DCzWall) December 15, 2025