Washington Commanders leader Dan Quinn has stated he bears some the blame for a major injury to the team’s quarterback, Jayden Daniels.
Details of the Injury and Context
Daniels, who had among the best rookie campaigns of all time the previous year, sustained a dislocated elbow joint in Sunday’s defeat to the Seattle Seahawks. Although Daniels throws with his right arm, the issue has placed his campaign in doubt. The condition was significant enough that the TV coverage did not show repeats and multiple athletes turned away as he was attended to by team doctors.
Criticism and Leader’s Response
Coach Quinn faced criticism as many felt the rookie ought not to have been on the field in the first place. The injury happened in the fourth quarter with the Washington behind 38-7, making a recovery unlikely. It is typical in these circumstances for teams to insert their reserve QB to prevent harm to their first-string player.
“I get that. I’ve been reflecting about it constantly, too, and, wow, I erred,” he said of his choice to keep Jayden in the match. “That is 100% on me.”
Aftermath and Team Prospects
Marcus Mariota will be the Commanders’ primary QB going forward, but he will lead a team in turmoil. Following reaching the NFC championship game last season behind Daniels’s brilliance, the team have struggled currently. They also saw injuries to defensive back Marshon Lattimore (ACL tear) and pass-catcher Luke McCaffrey (collarbone fracture) on Sunday, and have a number of other key players on injured reserve. The Commanders are three wins and six losses so far, and it would require a massive reversal for the club to reach the playoffs.
