The Washington Commanders (3-9) have already recorded a losing season, but with the return of quarterback Jayden Daniels, they look to finish the campaign strong.
Daniels suffered a gruesome dislocation of his left elbow during “Sunday Night Football” week 9 and has been out since. But, the Commanders officially announced that Daniels will be back behind center week 14 when Washington faces the Minnesota Vikings (4-8) on Sunday.
It’s a matchup of two first-round picks from 2024 as Daniels will square off with J.J. McCarthy, who also is returning from injury for Minnesota.
GettyLANDOVER, MARYLAND – NOVEMBER 30: Jayden Daniels of the Washington Commanders is seen before the game against the Denver Broncos at Northwest Stadium on November 30, 2025 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
Jayden Daniels Ready to Return to Play
Headed into the Vikings game, Daniels addressed where he and the team are at during media availability earlier this week.
After being cleared to play by medical staff, Daniels said he had the “itch” to return to action and wants to start the team’s final five games.
“I had that itch ever since I got hurt, but I had that itch to get back out there on the field,” Daniels said. “Just strength and everything, I feel confident I can be myself out there.
“I’m just tryna go out there and play football, no expectations. Do whatever it takes to be the best version of myself and ultimately help my team try to win some football games.”
Daniels was asked how he plans to address scrambling with the risk of more injuries while balancing the need from him to be a dual-threat quarterback.
“You take your chances when it’s needed,” he said. “I had a conversation with (head coach Dan Quinn) and it’s how to protect myself and also protect the team. A coach told me, Herm Edwards, know when the journey’s over.”
Daniels has 1,184 passing yards with eight touchdowns, two interceptions, a 62.5% completion rate and a 94.4 passer rating through six games. Heâs also added 262 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 54 carries.
Last season, Daniels delivered arguably the greatest rookie campaign in NFL history, throwing for 3,812 yards and 40 touchdowns with a 72.2% completion rate and a 100.1 passer rating. He added another 1,134 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground on his way to winning Offensive Rookie of the Year and appearing in the NFC Championship Game.
Commanders Look to Regain Form in Final Stretch
Daniels has missed time two separate stints this season with injuries. The Commanders have struggled offensively. They’ve only gone 2-4 this season in games Daniels started, but are 1-5 when veteran backup Marcus Mariota starts.
“There’s been a lot of adversity,” Daniels said. “But I’m young in a career and it’s something I gotta battle through. How ever you approach it, tryna whether the storm, come out and see the light at the end of the tunnel.
“I was happy for (Mariota) for the guys to see how they battled and bounced back each and every week.
“It’ll be great for the whole band to be back together, it will be fun. I don’t think we have any expectations. I just want to go out there and execute with the guys and see what we can do.”
After the Vikings, the Commanders finish the season at the Giants (2-11), vs. Eagles (8-4), vs. Cowboys (6-6-1) on Christmas and at Philadelphia again to close the season.
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