Joe Theismann on Commanders, Jayden Daniels injury and protecting QBs
Joe Theismann shares Super Bowl memories, Commanders insights and honors the military with USAA in Spain.
Follow along with USA TODAY Sports’ live coverage of the Commanders vs. Broncos game on “Sunday Night Football.”
As the Washington Commanders and Denver Broncos begin their Week 13 “Sunday Night Football” game to close out November football, one player is conspicuously missing.
What happened to Jayden Daniels? And when could the Commanders’ quarterback return?
Daniels sustained a dislocated left elbow injury in the final moments of Washington’s Week 9 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Despite the gruesome appearance of the injury when it happened, the Commanders quarterback managed to avoid any fracturing or ligament damage in his elbow. That meant Daniels may have a chance to return in 2025 rather than ending his season early.
Since the injury, Daniels has missed two games and is missing a third in Week 13. If the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year does return this year, it will have to be in the final five weeks of the regular season.
Here’s what to know about Daniels’ status as of Nov. 30:
When will Jayden Daniels return?
It is unclear as of Week 13 whether Daniels will return to action during the 2025 regular season. What is clear is that Daniels wants to play again this year.
“If I’m healthy, and I’m ready to go, I want to be out there,” Daniel told reporters on Nov. 25.
Washington may take that into some consideration, but the team also has to consider its 3-8 record through 12 weeks. The Commanders are all but mathematically eliminated from the 2025 postseason, and they may wish to avoid having Daniels play in meaningless games and risk another injury.
The second-year quarterback participated in the Commanders’ practices all week in a limited capacity, but he was not yet cleared for contact. Daniels will miss “Sunday Night Football” in Week 13, but it’s unclear if he will also miss Week 14’s game against the Vikings in Minnesota.
Jayden Daniels stats
Daniels has started just six games this season through 12 weeks. The Commanders’ second-year quarterback has dealt with a knee injury, a hamstring injury and his recent elbow injury this season, causing him to miss a total of six games. Washington has not fared much better in games Daniels starts, holding a 2-4 record in those six games.
Here’s how Daniels’ numbers stack up with one-third of the regular season to go:
- Completion rate: 105-of-168 (62.5%)
- Passing yards: 1,184
- Touchdowns: 8
- Interceptions: 2
- Passer rating: 94.4
- Rushing: 52 attempts for 262 yards (4.9 yards per carry) and two touchdowns
Commanders QB depth chart
Mariota will make his sixth start of the 2025 season on “Sunday Night Football” against the Broncos. The 11-year veteran quarterback hadn’t started a game since the 2022 season with the Atlanta Falcons before he made his first start this season in Week 3. Mariota won that first start against the Las Vegas Raiders but has lost each of his four starts since.
