Jayden Daniels Ruled Out With Rib Injury in Commanders’ Dominant Game vs. Panthers
In what started as a promising day for the Washington Commanders, rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels was forced to leave the game early after suffering a rib injury during a thrilling 46-yard run. The Commanders were facing the Carolina Panthers in Week 7 of the NFL season, and Daniels looked poised to put on a show before the injury derailed his performance.
Daniels, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, had taken control early in the game, showing both his arm and rushing abilities. On his first touch of the day, the explosive rookie scrambled for a huge 46-yard gain. However, the excitement quickly turned to concern as two Panthers defenders brought him down hard at the end of the play, landing awkwardly on Daniels’ ribs.
Initially, Daniels remained in the game despite visible discomfort. He even managed to complete two passes for six yards and contributed 50 rushing yards on just three carries, injecting energy into the Commanders’ offense. However, the pain became too much for him to continue, and he headed to the injury tent for further examination.
After spending time in the injury tent, Daniels was taken to the locker room for x-rays. While the specifics of the injury have not been fully disclosed, his mother reassured fans on social media, stating, “he’s fine.” Despite this, the Commanders listed Daniels as questionable to return and, shortly after halftime, officially ruled him out for the rest of the game.
The Commanders, leading 27-0 at halftime, had little need to risk further injury to their star rookie. Veteran backup Marcus Mariota was called in to manage the game from there, with Washington firmly in control. With such a substantial lead and the defense stifling the Panthers’ offense, the team decided it was best to give Daniels time to recover.
The timing of the injury is particularly significant as the Commanders prepare for a marquee matchup next week against Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears. Williams, the No. 1 overall pick in the same draft as Daniels, has drawn significant attention, and fans were looking forward to a showdown between the top two picks. The extent of Daniels’ injury and his availability for that game will be a major storyline throughout the week.
The Commanders will be cautious with Daniels’ health moving forward. Rib injuries can be tricky, especially for a quarterback whose mobility and physicality are key aspects of his game. The team will want to ensure Daniels is fully recovered before putting him back on the field, particularly with their playoff aspirations still very much alive.
In Daniels’ absence, Mariota will likely take the reins, relying on the Commanders’ strong running game and defense to see out games. Mariota, a former starting quarterback himself, is well-versed in managing an offense and keeping mistakes to a minimum, making him a solid option in the interim.
Despite the setback, the Commanders are in good shape with a commanding lead over the Panthers and plenty of time for Daniels to recover. As the team heads into the second half of the season, all eyes will be on how the young quarterback progresses and whether he can return in time for the anticipated clash with Williams.
For now, Washington will focus on maintaining their momentum and keeping their sights set on a potential playoff berth. Fans will anxiously await updates on Daniels’ condition, hoping for his speedy recovery and a return
to the field soon.
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