Washington Commanders Shut Down Quarterback Jayden Daniels for Final Three Games of 2025 Season
The Washington Commanders have decided to shut down quarterback Jayden Daniels for the remaining three games of the 2025 NFL season. While Daniels will continue to practice with the team, he will not participate on gameday as a precaution related to his injury status.
Daniels reaggravated an elbow injury in Week 14 against the Minnesota Vikings while attempting to intercept a pass, which caused him to leave the game early. This latest setback adds to previous missed time due to a knee sprain in Week 2, a hamstring strain in Week 7, and an earlier elbow injury in Week 9 against Seattle.
The team's head coach Dan Quinn explained that the decision was partly medical and partly strategic, noting that Daniels would remain involved in practice but not in games.
In Daniels' absence, veteran Marcus Mariota will start the final three games of the season, backed up by Josh Johnson. The Commanders also have quarterback Sam Hartman on their practice squad. Mariota has amassed 1,600 passing yards with 10 touchdowns and 7 interceptions, in addition to 298 rushing yards and 1 rushing touchdown this season. Notably, Mariota led a 29-21 victory over the New York Giants with 211 passing yards on 10-of-19 attempts.
The Commanders currently hold a 4-10 record and have been officially eliminated from playoff contention. Daniels, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, was instrumental in helping the team finish 12-5 and reach the NFC Championship last season.
