Washington Commanders leader Dan Quinn has admitted he bears a portion of the blame for a serious injury to the team’s signal-caller, Jayden Daniels.
Details of the Harm and Situation
Daniels, who enjoyed among the best rookie campaigns of all time last season, sustained a displaced left elbow in the Sunday defeat to the Seattle Seahawks. Although the quarterback passes with his right arm, the injury has placed his campaign in doubt. The condition was serious enough that the TV coverage did not show replays and several players looked away as Daniels was treated by team doctors.
Criticism and Leader’s Response
Coach Quinn faced criticism as many felt Daniels ought not to have been on the playing surface in the first place. The injury occurred in the final period with the Commanders behind 38-7, rendering a recovery unlikely. It is typical in such circumstances for teams to insert their reserve QB to avoid injuries to their starter.
“I get that. I’ve been reflecting about it nonstop, too, and, wow, I erred,” Quinn said of his choice to leave Jayden in the game. “This is 100% on me.”
Fallout and Squad Prospects
Marcus Mariota will be the team’s primary QB from now on, but he will lead a team in turmoil. After reaching the conference title game the prior year behind the rookie’s brilliance, the team have struggled this season. They also lost defensive back Lattimore (ACL tear) and wide receiver McCaffrey (collarbone fracture) on Sunday, and have a host of other key players on the injury list. The Washington squad are 3-6 so far, and it would take a massive turnaround for the team to reach the postseason.
