Jayden Daniels Suffers Hamstring Injury: A Blow for the Commanders
Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels suffered a right hamstring injury during the third quarter of Sunday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys, resulting in his exit from the game. This situation represents a new challenge for Washington’s offense, which was already depleted by other injuries, in a match that ultimately ended in a 44-22 defeat. Commanders coach Dan Quinn confirmed that Daniels will undergo an MRI on Monday to assess the severity of the injury. Washington’s next game (3-4) will be against the Kansas City Chiefs (4-3) on October 27. Despite the injury, Daniels wasn’t limping as he left the locker room after the game. Quinn revealed that the quarterback “definitely wanted” to keep playing after the injury, which occurred with 11:53 left in the third quarter. The injury occurred when Dallas linebacker Shemar James was approaching Daniels on a first-and-ten play. Daniels was about to throw the ball, but faced with pressure from James, he chose to run with the ball. During the play, James hit Daniels, who lost the ball and injured his hamstring when he was tackled. Daniels immediately grabbed the back of his right leg and remained with his hand there as he limped off the field. He was evaluated in a medical tent before heading to the locker room. Quinn suggested that Daniels might have felt discomfort in his hamstring on the play prior to the fumble, in which he had to run to the left and throw towards the center. However, he did not limp after that play. Marcus Mariota replaced Daniels and, in his first series, threw an interception that resulted in a touchdown for Dallas, allowing the Cowboys to take a 41-15 lead. Mariota completed 4 of 10 passes for 63 yards. Quinn assured that the score did not influence the decision to keep Daniels out of the game. Before leaving, Daniels completed 12 of 22 passes for 156 yards and a touchdown, and ran eight times for 35 yards and a score. Washington was already without its three main receivers for this game: Terry McLaurin (quadriceps), Deebo Samuel (heel), and Noah Brown (on the injured list, groin). In addition, running back Austin Ekeler suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon that will keep him out for the season in Week 2.Although Quinn began his post-game press conference by stating that “injuries are not the reason we lost”, teammates expressed that it was difficult to see Daniels leave the game.
Receiver Jaylin Lane added: “It definitely hurt to see that. He seems to be okay, but yes, there’s always a ‘next man up’ mentality.” Daniels had already missed two games this season due to a sprained left knee. If he can’t play against the Chiefs, Mariota would make his third start of the season. Washington beat the Raiders and lost to the Falcons in the previous two games.“Seeing one of our leaders fall definitely affected the team,” commented linebacker Frankie Luvu. “He’s one of those guys we turn to… I hope he comes back stronger.”
Frankie Luvu
“For now, we’re just supporting Daniels,” Mariota said, “and making sure he’s okay.”
Marcus Mariota
