Commanders' Jayden Daniels frustrated by premature ending to season, focused on 'longevity'

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Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels understands why the coaching staff shut him down for the duration of the season.

“Super tough,” Daniels said Tuesday of the season, via WUSA9. “I don’t want to miss games at all. It’s been a frustrating year, disappointing year. You learn from it and move forward.”

The Commanders announced on Monday that Daniels would sit out the final three games of the season after a litany of injuries. The 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year missed games with a knee sprain, a hamstring strain and an elbow injury. He returned in Week 14 but exited early after landing on the elbow. After the game, coach Dan Quinn said Daniels could have returned, but days later, it was revealed that the QB suffered a setback.

On Tuesday, Daniels said that the day after the game, he started to feel worse, prompting last week’s sit-out and pushing the Commanders toward shutting him down for the season.

“Adrenaline is a hell of a drug,” he said. “Things change when stuff settles down.”

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Daniels will remain on the active roster so he can participate in practice. The 24-year-old said he’s willing to do whatever the team needs, whether that be running the scout team or just supporting Marcus Mariota in film sessions.

“Be out there, be supportive, and bring the juice and energy,” Daniels said.

Daniels understands that the goal is to get him ready for 2026 and get the Commanders back on track after this year’s hiccup.

“I’m getting better,” Daniels said. “I didn’t meet the markers to be cleared, so now it’s just focused on getting healthy and ready for next year. Longevity is a big thing, so you want to be smart with this.”

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