Head coach Dan Quinn noted that Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels will not play Sunday and is ruled out vs. the New York Giants
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels is now in line to miss his seventh game of the season after head coach Dan Quinn officially ruled him out to open his press conference on Wednesday.
Quinn announced that quarterback Marcus Mariota will make his seventh start of the season with the Commanders winless with the backup quarterback under center in 2025.
"Jayden did aggravate his elbow injury in the game. No structural setback," head coach Dan Quinn added. "However, through the medical evaluations over the last couple of days including this morning, doctors advised to hold him this Sunday. So Marcus will start and we're really bummed for Jayden. He is working incredibly hard to get back on the field with his guys and tough deal. Absolutely going for it."
Daniels re-aggrevated his left elbow injury midway through the third quarter after his fourth down pass was batted down at the line of scrimmage, one of four turnovers for the Commanders in the loss and the first of two notable injuries to the Commanders' offense that quarter.
Quinn also clarified Daniels' status after saying during Sunday's postgame press conference that "it was my decision to sit him out" despite being ruled out for the upcoming road game versus the New York Giants.
"The imaging was good so there was no structural setbacks. Just like most players, you talk to them on Sunday then again what Monday feels like, not quite the same of swelling or strength and those things that go into it," he said. "Confirmed no structural [damage] at the game and then again this week."
When asked whether Daniels would return again over the Commanders' four-game stretch against divisional opponents to end the 2025 season, Quinn once again left the door open.
"He's going to be out this week. He'll practice as we're going on limited fashion but let's see where we're at next week. We're always going to make the best decision for him, for the team, [what] the medical opinions," he added.
The news comes one day after tight end Zach Ertz was officially ruled out for the remainder of the 2025 season after suffering a torn ACL in the 31-0 loss vs. Minnesota. Ertz was injured in the closing minutes of the third quarter and was carted off the field in what may be the final play of his Hall of Fame career. The Commanders brought in a trio of tight ends for workouts on Tuesday, including former Texan tight end Dalton Keene, while signing cornerback Kevon Seymour to the practice squad on Wednesday morning.
"He has meant a lot to our team both on and off the field," head coach Dan Quinn said about Ertz during Monday's press conference.