Commanders' Jayden Daniels shares if has regrets about playing style after injury-plagued season

In Week 9 of the 2025 season, second-year Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels curiously remained in the game and then attempted a zone-read keeper when his club was trailing the Seattle Seahawks 38-7 in the fourth quarter. 

Daniels ultimately suffered a gruesome dislocated left elbow when he attempted to brace himself while being tackled. During a recent conversation with NFL insider Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, Daniels was asked if he has any regrets about his playing style after he endured an injury-plagued second pro season. 

Jayden Daniels doesn't regret play that resulted in concerning injury

"Not regret," Daniels responded. "[The play against the Seahawks is] the most glaring one. Even though that happens many times where you fall and get right back up, that’s probably the most glaring one. I don’t regret it because everything happened for a reason. And, obviously, it helped me to get to this point where I’m at right now. So maybe if I hadn’t gone through that situation, my mindset wouldn’t be switched."

Before the Commanders made Daniels the second overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, it was reported that teams told him they wanted him "to be smarter about the hits that" he takes during games. Daniels seemed to quiet such concerns when he earned Offensive Rookie of the Year Award honors and guided the Commanders to the NFC Championship Game held in January 2025. 

However, injuries limited Daniels to just seven starts last season before he was shut down after he aggravated his elbow injury. Per Jonathan Jones of The Athletic, Daniels recently acknowledged that "there will be less designed QB runs" while playing under first-year offensive coordinator David Blough this fall. 

Jayden Daniels doesn't want to take away his "superpower" 

"Like, 'Okay, don’t take away your superpower because you’re still going to be there; you’re still going to have to run; you’re still going to have to scramble and get some yards. But be super smart about what you’re doing.' Basically, protect yourself," Daniels added during his chat with Breer. 

People within the Commanders believe that Daniels can both reclaim his best form and make a major leap in Blough's offense. Of course, Daniels will have to remain healthy and in the lineup for such a scenario to play out. 

Daniels and the Commanders will open the regular season with a matchup at the rival Philadelphia Eagles on Sept. 13.