The Commanders head coach Dan Quinn has admitted he shares a portion of the fault for a major injury to the team’s signal-caller, Jayden Daniels.
Details of the Harm and Context
Daniels, who enjoyed one of the greatest rookie campaigns in history last season, suffered a dislocated left elbow in the Sunday loss to the Seahawks. Even though Daniels passes with his right arm, the issue has left his campaign uncertain. The condition was serious enough that the TV coverage did not show repeats and several players looked away as he was attended to by medical staff.
Criticism and Coach’s Reaction
Coach Quinn came under criticism as many believed Daniels should not have been on the playing surface in the first place. The injury happened in the fourth quarter with the Commanders behind 38-7, making a comeback improbable. It is common in these situations for teams to insert their reserve QB to prevent injuries to their starter.
“I get that. I’ve been reflecting about it constantly, too, and, wow, I missed it,” Quinn said of his choice to leave Jayden in the game. “This is 100% my fault.”
Fallout and Squad Outlook
Mariota will be the Commanders’ primary QB going forward, but he will guide a roster in turmoil. Following making the NFC championship game the prior year behind the rookie’s brilliance, the team have faced difficulties this season. They additionally saw injuries to cornerback Marshon Lattimore (ACL tear) and pass-catcher McCaffrey (collarbone fracture) on game day, and have a number of other starters on injured reserve. The Commanders are three wins and six losses so far, and it would require a huge reversal for the club to make the playoffs.
