Jayden Daniels injury update: Commanders QB addresses willingness to play after elbow dislocation

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels is ready to return to the field after suffering an elbow injury earlier this month. While speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Daniels was asked about possibly getting injured again if he returns this year.

“I got to go out there and play football,” Jayden Daniels said, per Commanders reporter Ben Standing. “If I’m back out there, I’m healthy and ready to go. I want to be out there.”

Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said on Monday that Daniels will return to practice this week after dislocating his non-throwing elbow in the loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Nov. 2. Daniels has not been cleared for contact, and Quinn is not sure when his starting QB will return.

“It’s important that Jayden’s getting going, learning to play this position at the highest level competitively,” Quinn said, per John Keim of ESPN. “Also doing it safely. Those are reps that you develop as well. It’s a skill just like throwing and processing. All those things are important.”

Jayden Daniels has dealt with multiple injuries this season

Daniels has missed five games this year due to three different injuries. The former LSU star did not play in Weeks 3 and 4 because he had a sprained left knee. Daniels returned for three games but suffered a right hamstring injury during the Week 7 game against the Dallas Cowboys.

Washington is currently 3-8 on the year, so even if Daniels returns and the team turns things around, making the playoffs is going to be a long shot. “You’re just got to try to do what’s best for the player,” Quinn said. “We know what we’re looking to do and how we want to do it, but by no means are we careless about that. It’s important not just for Jayden, but important for our entire team.”

Daniels has played in six of the Commanders’ 11 games this year and has completed 62.5 percent of his passes for 1,184 yards, eight touchdowns, and two interceptions with a 2-4 record. The 25-year-old has also been effective running with the football, registering 262 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 54 carries.

The Commanders selected Daniels at No. 2 overall in last year’s draft, and he had a memorable rookie season. In 17 regular-season games, Daniels threw for 3,598 yards and 25 touchdowns, and he also rushed for 891 yards and six TDs. Daniels led Washington to the NFC Championship game and was named Offensive Rookie of the Year.