Key Highlights
- Theismann urges Daniels to play smart and protect himself after latest injury.
- Daniels has missed significant time due to injuries in his second year as the Commanders’ quarterback.
- Theismann emphasizes that running quarterbacks need to be aware of their surroundings to avoid further harm.
Quarterback Injuries Plague Washington Commanders
Washington Commanders fans have seen their franchise quarterback, Jayden Daniels, miss significant time due to injuries. Daniels has already missed two stints this season with hamstring injuries, and he recently suffered a left elbow dislocation in an NFL game against the Seattle Seahawks on November 2, 2025.
The injuries have significantly impacted the team’s performance, particularly after a strong showing during Daniels’ rookie season when they appeared in the NFC Championship Game. The repeated absences of Daniels highlight the challenges faced by the Commanders in maintaining consistent play.
Joe Theismann’s Advice
In an interview with Fox News Digital, Joe Theismann, a former quarterback himself, advised Daniels to prioritize his health and avoid further injury. Theismann emphasized that running quarterbacks need to be particularly mindful of their safety on the field.
“This is the one thing I tell all young quarterbacks when I get a chance to be around them: Don’t count on the rules to protect you. Protect yourself, run out of bounds, slide, throw the ball away.
Always think of the next opportunity, the next play,” said Theismann.
Theismann further explained that running quarterbacks are more vulnerable to injury due to their physical exposure when they get hit and then have to go down in open space. He cited examples such as Jaxson Dart and Anthony Richardson, both of whom have had to navigate similar challenges.
Commanders’ Season on the Line
The repeated injuries to Daniels have put a significant strain on the Commanders’ season, which was looking promising after their appearance in the NFC Championship Game during Daniels’ rookie year. The team’s management has not yet placed Daniels on injured reserve, suggesting that there is still hope for his return this season.
“I think being able to go back and play at some point would be beneficial to him to continue to grow,” said Theismann, acknowledging Daniels’ potential despite the challenges he faces. “You have to remember he’s only in his second year and hasn’t played a lot.”
Theismann also stressed that Daniels should only return to the field if he is medically cleared 100% and has no risk of aggravating existing injuries.
Future Implications
The situation with Jayden Daniels highlights the ongoing challenges in managing quarterback health at the NFL level. As teams seek to balance the need for consistent play with player safety, strategies like those suggested by Theismann may become increasingly important.
“Hopefully he’ll be smarter after this,” concluded Theismann. “You don’t have to show you can run. There are times and ways to run, and times and ways not to run. Protect yourself.” This advice underscores the growing recognition of the importance of player safety in modern football.
