Jayden Daniels’ 2025 season was one of frustration and setbacks. The promising quarterback for the Washington Commanders faced repeated injuries that kept him off the field and hurt the team’s performance.
From a knee sprain in Week 2 to a hamstring strain in Week 7 and a dislocated left elbow in Week 9, Daniels’ injuries forced him to play only seven games. By December 15, 2025, the Commanders shut him down for the season.
Here’s a closer look at the Jayden Daniels injury saga and what it means for him moving forward.
All You Need to Know About Jayden Daniels Injury and Setbacks
Daniels started the season with high expectations after a strong 2024 campaign. However, trouble began early. In Week 2, a knee sprain sidelined him for multiple games. While he recovered quickly, the injury disrupted his timing and mobility.
Week 7 brought another blow. While scrambling to escape pressure from defenders, Daniels strained his hamstring. This forced him off the field again and limited his effectiveness when he returned.
The most serious setback came in Week 9. During a game against the Seattle Seahawks, Daniels landed awkwardly on his non-throwing arm after being hit mid-throw. The result was a dislocated left elbow, an injury that looked alarming but, thankfully, required no surgery. Unfortunately, the injury re-aggravated in Week 14, prompting the Commanders to shut him down for the rest of the season.
Daniels’ injuries weren’t just bad luck. Coaches noted that poor offensive line protection left him exposed to hits on extended plays. Combined with his aggressive playing style, these factors contributed to the repeated injuries that defined his 2025 season.
How Injuries Affected Jayden Daniels’s Play
The repeated injuries had a clear impact on Daniels’ on-field performance. By mid-season, it was evident that the knee, hamstring, and elbow injuries disrupted his mechanics and limited his mobility. His completion percentage fell by 6.5 points compared to previous seasons, and he struggled to replicate his 2024 form.
The Commanders also felt the consequences. In the seven games Daniels played, the team posted a 2-4 record. Backup quarterbacks stepped in during his absences, exposing the weaknesses in the offensive line and highlighting how critical Daniels’ health is to the team’s success. The setbacks prevented the Commanders from building momentum, and they ultimately missed the playoffs.
Why Jayden Daniels Is Not Playing
Daniels is not playing because the Commanders prioritized his long-term health over a few remaining games in a lost season. After re-injuring his elbow in Week 14, the medical team recommended rest. The decision to shut him down on December 15, 2025, ensured that Daniels would not risk further damage.
As of January 2026, he is focused entirely on recovery. With the regular season concluded and the team out of playoff contention, the priority is rebuilding strength, mobility, and confidence for the 2026 season.
Daniels’s Offseason Outlook
Looking ahead, Daniels is committed to returning stronger and healthier. His offseason plan focuses on physical rebuilding, improving conditioning, and reducing the risk of future injuries when scrambling or under pressure. The team is also investing in better offensive line protection to give him the space and security he needs to play effectively.
Daniels remains optimistic despite the setbacks. He views the 2025 injuries as learning experiences rather than permanent obstacles. Working closely with coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and the Commanders’ medical staff, Daniels hopes to regain his form and lead Washington to a stronger showing in 2026.
FAQs About Jayden Daniels’ Injury
What injuries did Jayden Daniels suffer in 2025?
He sprained his knee in Week 2, strained his hamstring in Week 7, and dislocated his left elbow in Week 9, which worsened in Week 14.
How did these injuries affect his stats?
Daniels played only seven games. His completion percentage dropped by 6.5 points, yards per attempt fell, and his overall effectiveness decreased.
Why did the Commanders shut him down?
The team prioritized his long-term health after aggravating the elbow injury and because the playoffs were out of reach.
What is his plan for the offseason?
He is focusing on rebuilding physically, addressing injury risks when scrambling, and improving overall conditioning to prevent future setbacks.
How did the elbow injury happen?
He was hit mid-throw and landed awkwardly on his non-throwing arm, which sidelined him immediately.
Wrapping Up
Jayden Daniels’ 2025 season was defined by repeated injuries that limited him to just seven games. From a knee sprain to a hamstring strain and a dislocated elbow, each setback affected his performance and the team’s record. While there was no structural damage requiring surgery, the Commanders prioritized his recovery, shutting him down for the season on December 15, 2025.
Looking to 2026, Daniels focuses on rebuilding his body, improving protection, and staying healthy. With careful management and a strong offseason plan, fans can expect the quarterback to return stronger, ready to reclaim the form that made him a rising star in Washington.
