Jayden Daniels' return to action is short-lived as Commanders' playoff hopes end

At the start of the third quarter, the Commanders were only down 14-0 and had most of the second half to salvage something. However, Vikings linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel had other plans when he sniffed out the quick pass and jumped the route. Daniels tried to run Van Ginkel down, but instead, he ate a hit from a Vikings defender and landed hard on his elbow. 

Daniels was deemed questionable to return, but never came off the sideline as the game got out of hand. On the Commanders' ensuing possession, backup quarterback Marcus Mariota threw an interception that essentially closed the door for any miracle comebacks. 

Per NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, Daniels was held out for precautionary reasons, and, at first glance, it doesn't appear he'll miss more time. However, Commanders tight end Zach Ertz is feared to have torn his ACL after he was carted off the field late in the game. 

The 2025 Commanders are certainly a far cry from the 2024 team that ended the season 12-5 and made a run to the NFC Championship Game. So, going into Sunday, it was hard to see how this season could get any worse for the Commanders.

Now, Washington is finding out that there's always more room to fall before hitting rock bottom.