The Commanders head coach Dan Quinn has admitted he bears some the fault for a major injury to the squad’s quarterback, Jayden Daniels.
Details of the Injury and Context
Daniels, who enjoyed one of the greatest first-year performances in history last season, sustained a displaced elbow joint in the Sunday loss to the Seahawks. Although the quarterback throws with his right arm, the injury has left his season uncertain. The injury was significant enough that the TV coverage did not show replays and several athletes looked away as Daniels was treated by medical staff.
Criticism and Leader’s Response
Coach Quinn faced criticism as numerous believed the rookie ought not to have been on the playing surface to begin with. The injury happened in the fourth quarter with the Commanders trailing 38-7, making a comeback improbable. It is typical in such situations for teams to put in their reserve QB to prevent injuries to their first-string player.
“I understand. I’ve been thinking about it nonstop, too, and, man, I erred,” Quinn remarked of his decision to leave Jayden in the game. “This is 100% on me.”
Fallout and Squad Prospects
Marcus Mariota will be the Commanders’ starting quarterback going forward, but he will lead a roster in disarray. After reaching the conference title game last season behind the rookie’s brilliance, the franchise have struggled this season. They also saw injuries to cornerback Lattimore (ACL tear) and wide receiver McCaffrey (collarbone fracture) on Sunday, and have a host of other key players on the injury list. The Commanders are three wins and six losses so far, and it would require a massive turnaround for the team to make the playoffs.