Jayden Daniels Ready for Year Three After Injury

Daniels returns with a new offense

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels is ready for his third season. After playing only four full games last year due to a dislocated left elbow, Daniels is healthy and back on the field. The Commanders shut him down late in 2025 after a 31-0 loss to Minnesota, but now he is set to lead the offense once again.

This year brings a new system under offensive coordinator David Blough. For the first time in his professional career, Daniels will call plays directly in the huddle. The team expects this change to help him grow and create more big plays. Washington wants to use more play action and run fewer no huddle plays.

Daniels is keeping his strict work ethic. As a rookie, he arrived at the facility around 5:45 a.m. and held early walk throughs with coaches. Now, he has added weekly film sessions with his wide receivers.

High praise from teammates

Team staff and players are excited about what they saw from the young quarterback in training camp. Blough noted that Daniels had his best camp yet, showing great accuracy in August. He was voted as one of the team captains.

His teammates have noticed the improvement. Receiver Terry McLaurin praised his deep ball touch and his ability to put the ball in the perfect spot for run after catch yards. Stefon Diggs, who joined the team recently, also built a quick connection with Daniels. Diggs called him a young star who can make any throw.

Daniels is not worried about comparing himself to other quarterbacks from his draft class. While players like Drake Maye and Caleb Williams had big seasons last year, Daniels is focused on his own path. He previously led Washington to the NFC Championship Game as a rookie before losing to the Eagles.

"I've just got to go out and ... be myself," Daniels said. He relies on his faith to stay calm through all the outside talk.

What it means for the next game

Washington Commanders at Philadelphia Eagles (NFL, Sun, 13 Sep): Philadelphia Eagles win 68%, Washington Commanders win 32%; projected score Philadelphia Eagles 25, Washington Commanders 19. Our safest pick: Eagles to win.

Washington Commanders at Dallas Cowboys (NFL, Sun, 20 Sep): Dallas Cowboys win 64%, Washington Commanders win 36%; projected score Dallas Cowboys 28, Washington Commanders 23. Our safest pick: Cowboys to win.