Jayden Daniels made a strong start to his NFL career in 2024, leading the Washington Commanders to the NFC Championship Game in his rookie season. His ability to pass and run the ball helped make him one of the league’s most exciting young quarterbacks. But after an injury-hit 2025 season, Daniels has faced more setbacks in 2026.
Daniels returned to the field in October after dislocating his left elbow in September. He showed what he could do against the Giants and threw for 300 yards against the 49ers, although Washington lost both games. With more games ahead, he will need to stay healthy and help the Commanders find a way to win more consistently.
Rookie Success Established His National Reputation
Jayden Daniels quickly became a key player for Washington during his rookie season in 2024. He threw for 3,568 yards and 25 touchdowns, rushed for another 891 yards, and led the Commanders to a 12-5 finish. His strong performance raised expectations for Washington and made the team’s progress a major storyline throughout the season. Fans following their changing outlook could also check Washington Commanders odds alongside the team’s results. Daniels helped lead Washington to the playoffs and its first NFC Championship Game appearance since the 1991 season.
Daniels won the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award after an impressive debut. He then led Washington to the NFC Championship Game, where the Philadelphia Eagles ended the team’s playoff run. His second season was more challenging, with injuries restricting him to seven games in 2025 and interrupting his development as Washington’s starting quarterback. The Commanders finished 5–12, a sharp drop from their 12–5 record in 2024, and missed the playoffs after reaching the NFC Championship Game the previous season.
Another Elbow Injury Tests Daniels Again
Daniels had to adjust to these changes before another injury interrupted his season. On September 20, he dislocated his left elbow during Washington’s matchup with the Dallas Cowboys. Although the injury affected his non-throwing arm, its severity forced him to leave the game.
The team’s medical staff worked with Daniels during his recovery and gave him a protective brace for his left arm. He returned to practice before the Indianapolis game, but the coaches decided that he needed more time to heal. Daniels eventually completed a full week of practice and was cleared to play in the October 11 matchup with New York.
Daniels Shows His Speed Still Matters
When Daniels returned against the Giants, he quickly reminded fans he could run with the ball. He gained 103 yards on nine carries and ran twice for touchdowns. Daniels added 199 passing yards, giving Washington another way to challenge New York’s defense. However, the Commanders couldn’t secure the victory, and the teams finished 27-27 after overtime.
Daniels has continued to use his speed throughout the 2026 season. Through his first four appearances, he has recorded 213 rushing yards on 25 attempts. That averages 8.5 yards per carry. Still, Washington’s coaches want to strengthen the team’s regular running game so Daniels doesn’t have to take as many hits from defenders.
Better Passing Adds to Daniels’ Game
Daniels has continued to show his passing ability since returning from injury. Through four games in 2026, he recorded 759 passing yards, five touchdown passes, and no interceptions. Researching the latest NFL updates helps fans follow quarterback statistics and compare performances across the season. Daniels posted a passer rating of 97.6 over those four games, up from 88.1 during his injury-shortened 2025 season.
Daniels completed 56.9% of his passes across his two September appearances, compared with 70.8% in his two October games. The increase highlights his improved accuracy in those recent outings, although the small sample makes it too early to draw conclusions about a season-long trend. Maintaining that level of consistency will be important as he faces more opponents throughout the season.
Monday Night Gives Daniels Bigger Stage
Daniels faced one of his toughest tests on October 19 when Washington visited the undefeated San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football. The 49ers entered the game with five straight wins and quickly took control. San Francisco led 20–3 at halftime and extended its lead to 23–3 during the third quarter. Daniels then led Washington back with two touchdown drives.
The young quarterback completed 29 of his 40 pass attempts and finished with 300 passing yards and two touchdowns. He first teamed up with Stefon Diggs for a short touchdown late in the third quarter. Daniels then found Rachaad White for another score as the game entered its final quarter, which cut San Francisco’s lead to six points. But the 49ers stopped Washington’s final scoring attempts and won 23–17.
Daniels Must Command More Than Headlines
Daniels has shown that he can contribute as both a passer and a runner. Washington tied the Giants and lost to the 49ers. To turn the season around, the Commanders need to play more consistently as a team. Daniels also needs to stay healthy and continue improving. The rest of the season will show whether Washington can build on his return and earn more wins.
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