Sophomore slumps aren’t an entirely new concept in the NFL. But the turnaround for Jayden Daniels, from arguably the greatest rookie season for a quarterback in league history, to whatever the 2025 season amounts to, has been shocking to witness. And, it’s been made worse by the injuries.
With separate issues bothering him throughout the year, he was constantly shuffling in and out of the lineup. Then, in Week 9, he suffered what may have been among the most gruesome injuries anyone is likely to witness on a football field. With playoff positioning hanging in the balance, fans have to wonder if the season is over for the sophomore.
What Happened to Jayden Daniels?
Late in the fourth quarter of their Week 9 game against the Seattle Seahawks, Daniels tried to take off for one of his trademark scramble attempts. However, as he was tackled to the ground, his elbow got caught under his body.
Twisted brutally, a dislocation was clear to witness, with a long road to recovery likely ahead of him. For the savior of the Washington Commanders franchise, it was hard to imagine a worse situation befalling the franchise.
After a four-win season in 2023 that landed them the second overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the team immediately rebounded with 12 wins and an appearance in the NFC Championship Game thanks to the exploits of Daniels.
However, this year, he’s been markedly worse even when healthy, ranking 21st on PFSN’s QB Impact, as compared to fifth in 2024. Despite the grim circumstances surrounding his injury, all hope isn’t lost in regards to a return this season.
After multiple professional and medical opinions, it was diagnosed that the superstar quarterback does not have any damage to his ligament. As a result, he could avoid a season-ending injury and be back on the field later in the year.
Not immediately placed on the injured reserve list, he could be back as early as Week 13, with another update expected right after the Commanders’ bye week. However, by most estimates, the recovery process is going to last somewhere between three to six weeks.
If that turns out to be the case, then risking further damage might not be the smartest choice. Already, it is hard to envision Washington making a run for the playoffs given the state of the NFC.
Instead, they could double their efforts for 2026 with a healthier roster likely alongside the former Offensive Rookie of the Year.
