Jayden Daniels, the 2024 AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, said he was frustrated and disappointed after a season cut short by injuries.
Injury Struggles
During his second NFL season, the former LSU Heisman Trophy winner was limited to just seven games. Daniels cited a sprained left knee, a bad right hamstring, and a dislocated left elbow that sidelined him for more than two months after the Oct. 5 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
“It was obviously disappointing. I’m a player; I want play,” Daniels said. “I wasn’t medically cleared to go.”
He returned from the elbow injury to his non-throwing arm on Dec. 7 against the Minnesota Vikings, but aggravated the problem in the third quarter when he was shoved to the ground by a defender after throwing an interception.
After that game, Quinn said he decided to hold Daniels out that day even though the QB could have returned, and later Daniels and Quinn noted the elbow was sore afterward.
Commanders’ Decision
The Commanders started Marcus Mariota this past weekend, when Washington (4-10) ended an eight-game losing skid with a 29-21 victory over the New York Giants. Mariota will be back under center on Saturday against the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles (9-5) in a rematch of last season’s NFC title game. Washington then hosts the Dallas Cowboys on Dec. 25, before ending the season at Philadelphia.
“They’re building for the future, and (Daniels) should feel confident … that they’re making a decision that they feel is best for the entire organization,” Mariota said. “It’s, at the same time, tough as an athlete. You want to be out there. We all understand that.”
Season Performance
As a rookie, Daniels appeared in all 20 of Washington’s games, leading them to a 12-5 record. He completed 69 % of his passes for 3,568 yards with 25 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He also rushed for 891 yards with six touchdowns. This season, his completion rate fell to 60.6 %, with 1,262 yards, eight touchdowns and three interceptions. His passer rating dropped from 100.1 to 88.1. He also rushed for 278 yards with two scores.
Looking Ahead
Daniels said, “Now (I’m) just focused on getting healthy and preparing for next year.” Asked whether he can work on anything during the offseason to avoid the health issues he’s had, Daniels responded, “That’s a tough question. I mean, I can’t really avoid the injuries that I’ve dealt with – those are just freak accidents.”
Notes
The Commanders put WR Noah Brown back on injured reserve with a rib injury after he got hurt against the Giants. That was only his second game back after missing nearly three months with knee and groin issues.
Key Takeaways
- Jayden Daniels was limited to seven games in his second season due to injuries.
- The Commanders shifted to Marcus Mariota amid a losing streak.
- Daniels remains focused on recovery and next season preparation.
The Commanders’ decision to hold Daniels out and shift to Mariota reflects a broader focus on long-term health and team performance as the season continues.
