Washington Commanders leader Dan Quinn has admitted he shares some the blame for a serious injury to the squad’s quarterback, Daniels.
Details of the Injury and Situation
Jayden Daniels, who enjoyed one of the greatest rookie campaigns of all time last season, suffered a dislocated elbow joint in Sunday’s defeat to the Seattle Seahawks. Even though Daniels passes with his dominant arm, the injury has left his season uncertain. The injury was significant enough that the television broadcast did not show replays and multiple athletes looked away as Daniels was treated by medical staff.
Backlash and Leader’s Response
Coach Quinn faced criticism as many felt the rookie ought not to have been on the playing surface to begin with. The injury happened in the fourth quarter with the Washington behind 38-7, making a recovery unlikely. It is typical in these circumstances for clubs to put in their reserve QB to prevent injuries to their first-string player.
“I understand. I’ve been reflecting about it constantly, too, and, wow, I erred,” he said of his choice to keep Daniels in the game. “This is 100% my fault.”
Fallout and Team Prospects
Mariota will be the team’s starting quarterback going forward, but he will guide a team in disarray. After making the NFC championship game the prior year behind Daniels’s excellence, the franchise have struggled currently. They also saw injuries to cornerback Marshon Lattimore (torn ACL) and pass-catcher McCaffrey (broken collarbone) on game day, and have a number of other starters on the injury list. The Washington squad are 3-6 on the season, and it would take a huge turnaround for the club to make the playoffs.
