Jayden Daniels Set To Return For Washington Commanders In Week 14
The Washington Commanders will finally get their starting quarterback back this Sunday, Dec. 7, when Jayden Daniels takes the field against the Minnesota Vikings. His return, again, is one of the few bright spots in a season that has been defined by injuries, inconsistency, and a steady slide down the NFC standings.
Where Was Daniels?
Daniels has been on IR since suffering a dislocated elbow in Week 9 against Seattle. This injury was the latest in a string of setbacks that kept him from playing. Washington turned to backups during his absence, but the offense struggled to find any rhythm.
The last few games, Washington’s defense has improved, but without the explosive plays Daniels had shown earlier in the year, the team his sitting at 3-9. His mobility and ability to extend drives were sorely missed, leaving the Commanders stuck in neutral while the rest of the division pulled ahead.
Stats Don’t Lie
The numbers highlight the difference. With Daniels under center, Washington has earned all three of its wins this season, averaging more than 22 points and roughly 345 yards per game while keeping turnovers low. Without him, the Commanders failed to produce a single win, scoring closer to 14 points per game, producing under 300 yards, and nearly doubling their giveaways. Entering Week 14, Washington sits toward the bottom of the NFC East, trailing Philadelphia and Dallas by wide margins.
Playoff Hopes Hanging By a Thread
So what does his return mean? Mathematically, the Commanders are still alive in the playoff race, but only barely. To sneak in, they would need to win out and hope for a collapse from multiple teams ahead of them in the wild-card chase. That scenario is about as likely as Freddy Fazbear suddenly becoming family‑friendly—it’s technically possible, but no one should bet on it.
Still, Daniels’ comeback matters. For fans, it’s a chance to see the young quarterback continue his development in real time, testing himself against playoff‑caliber opponents. For the team, it’s an opportunity to evaluate how the offense looks with its leader back in place, especially with a healthier supporting cast around him. This is also an opportunity for Daniels himself to prove he can bounce back from adversity and finish the season strong.
Final Thoughts
The Commanders’ playoff hopes may be hanging by a thread, but Daniels’ return injects energy into a season that has felt lost. Even if the postseason math doesn’t work out, his presence gives Washington something to build on—because sometimes the real win is knowing your quarterback can take the hits, get back up, and keep playing.
