Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn has admitted he shares some the fault for a serious injury to the squad’s quarterback, Jayden Daniels.
Details of the Injury and Context
Jayden Daniels, who had one of the greatest first-year performances in history the previous year, sustained a displaced left elbow in the Sunday loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Although Daniels throws with his right arm, the issue has left his season in doubt. The injury was serious enough that the TV coverage did not show replays and several players turned away as Daniels was attended to by medical staff.
Backlash and Coach’s Reaction
Quinn faced criticism as many believed Daniels should not have been on the field in the first place. The injury happened in the final period with the Washington behind 38-7, rendering a recovery unlikely. It is typical in these situations for teams to insert their backup quarterback to prevent injuries to their starter.
“I understand. I’ve been reflecting about it nonstop, too, and, wow, I erred,” he said of his choice to keep Daniels in the match. “This is 100% my fault.”
Fallout and Squad Prospects
Mariota will be the team’s primary QB from now on, but he will guide a team in disarray. Following reaching the conference title game last season behind Daniels’s excellence, the franchise have faced difficulties currently. They also saw injuries to cornerback Lattimore (ACL tear) and pass-catcher Luke McCaffrey (collarbone fracture) on Sunday, and have a host of other starters on injured reserve. The Washington squad are 3-6 on the season, and it would require a massive turnaround for the club to make the playoffs.
