Jayden Daniels explains return mindset with Commanders' playoff hopes likely gone

A recent report indicated that those running the Washington Commanders could shut quarterback Jayden Daniels down for the rest of the season. 

While Daniels should return to practice this week for the first time since he suffered a gruesome dislocated left elbow on Nov. 2, he isn't on track to start when the 3-8 Commanders host the Denver Broncos (9-2) in Week 13. Nevertheless, Daniels made it clear on Tuesday that he wants to take his next regular-season snap before 2026 gets underway.

How Jayden Daniels wants to finish lost season for Commanders

"It’s a day-by-day process, just kind of getting back in the rhythm of things, the flow of things," Daniels said about his ongoing recovery, per Myles Simmons of Pro Football Talk. "If I’m back out there, I’m healthy, and I’m ready to go, I want to be out there." 

Coming off their appearance in last season's NFC Championship Game, the Commanders are arguably the most disappointing team of the ongoing season. Washington backup quarterback Marcus Mariota has gone 1-4 in starts for games that Daniels has missed since Week 1. Per David Harrison of Sports Illustrated, the Commanders could officially be eliminated from the playoffs on the final day of November. 

As of Tuesday afternoon, the ESPN Football Power Index gave the Commanders a 0.1 percent chance to make the playoffs. Logic suggests that Washington should want to protect Daniels from himself, but he seems eager to get back on the field for live action as soon as possible. 

Why Jayden Daniels wants to play regardless of Commanders' record

"If I’m out there, I’m gonna give it my all," Daniels added. "As a football player, you want to go back there and play. I’m a competitor — that’s who I am. So, if I have the opportunity to go out there and play, [I want to]. But right now, just taking it day-by-day and week-by-week."

Daniels earned Offensive Rookie of the Year Award honors for the 2024 campaign but has made only 23 career regular-season starts. Getting in some extra reps against opposing defenses in December could ultimately benefit the 24-year-old, but he first would need to be cleared for contact before he can resume practicing as Washington's active QB1.