Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels’ injury concerns will be one of the team’s top storylines ahead of next season. His health troubles were among the catalysts of Washington’s campaign coming apart last season. The Commanders’ offense is built on his dual-threat ability, and his absence was felt in 2025, when the team went 5-12.
What did head coach Dan Quinn say about his injury concerns?
Dan Quinn Optimistic About Jayden Daniels Being Ready to Lead Commanders in 2026
There was some controversy around Daniels’ health troubles last season, as fans drew parallels between his career and former Washington quarterback Robert Griffin III. Griffin started his career as a star prodigy, but his run quickly went downhill due to injuries.
Daniels’ mother slammed those who compared her son to RGIII, prompting a lighthearted joke from Tom Brady at the Fanatics Flag Football Classic in Los Angeles.
“I haven’t seen Jayden on the field in seven or eight months,” Brady said. “I’m just happy his mom let him play.”
Quinn, who’s been coaching the quarterback for two years now, weighed in on his injury concerns.
“With all the players, they work as hard as they can to get themselves ready to play, and each position, different requirements to go,” he said on “The Exhibit Show.” “But specifically with Jayden, he is absolutely putting in the work to put himself in the best spot.”
NEW: 1×1 with #Commanders HC Dan Quinn: On getting “squarely punched in the mouth” in ’25 & why it’s “taken longer” to bounce back, Tom Brady joking he’s happy Jayden Daniels’ “mom let him play” Flag Football & balancing inner circles, Bobby Wagner & Myles Garrett-type players. pic.twitter.com/GfRk9GKtgE
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 30, 2026
The Commanders have to be smart about the quarterback position moving forward, given Daniels’ health issues (71.8 PFSN QB Impact in 2025). Heavily relying on a shot-caller who might miss half the season more often than not could spell trouble, especially for Quinn as head coach. Another season like last year’s could put him on the hot seat.
General manager Adam Peters and the front office haven’t done anything this offseason to shore up the quarterback room. With Daniels still the starter, veteran Marcus Mariota and undrafted third-year quarterback Sam Hartman are the only other available options on the active roster.
Mariota largely filled in for Daniels last season and went 2-6 as a starter, while Hartman didn’t see any action. The 39-year-old Josh Johnson started two games and went 1-1. That said, Quinn and company have no solid answer for Daniels’ injury woes.
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Banking on the youngster staying healthy might be a gamble. Alternatively, they could look at the 2026 NFL Draft. While not littered with franchise quarterbacks, Washington could find a QB2 who produces more than Mariota.
How the Commanders solve their quarterback riddle will be interesting to see, all hope, of course, being that Daniels stays healthy.
