Commanders QB Jayden Daniels leaves early with rib injury, will undergo further tests
Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels suffered a day-ending rib injury early in the team’s eventual win over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. Daniels was later ruled out for the second half by the team.
After the team’s 40-7 win, Washington coach Dan Quinn said, “I can not give an update on Jayden. We’ll do some further tests tomorrow and when we get together in the afternoon (for his Monday media availability), we’ll give you an update.”
Daniels, the No. 2 selection in April’s NFL Draft, was flipped by a defender at the end of a 46-yard run. Daniels remained in the game and had rushes of seven and three yards, as Washington capped the drive with Austin Seibert’s 23-yard field goal. Daniels was checked out on the sideline in the blue medical tent during the subsequent defensive series.
He re-emerged as the Commanders regained possession following Carolina quarterback Andy Dalton’s second interception. Daniels walked onto the field and attempted practice throws before being waived back in favor of backup Marcus Mariota. The rookie then walked toward the locker room. Daniels was initially announced as “questionable to return,” but was ruled out at halftime with the Commanders leading 27-0. At the start of second half, he returned to the sideline out of uniform, but with a smile on his face and was waving to the crowd.
Daniels has been the talk of the league with his sensational performances and role in Washington’s surprising start. The dual-threat entered Sunday’s play leading the league with 75.3 completion percentage to go with 1,404 passing yards, six touchdown passes, 322 rush yards and four touchdowns on the ground.
