Dec 7, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) drops back to pass against the Minnesota Vikings during the first half at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Jayden Daniels returned to the Washington Commanders lineup after a three-game absence in Week 14 against the Minnesota Vikings.

Daniels wasn't able to finish the game before aggravating the elbow injury that kept him out for several weeks.

Daniels exited the game after being blocked while trying to make a tackle on Vikings edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel following an interception. The second-year quarterback banged his left, non-throwing elbow as he went to the ground and received medical treatment on the sideline following the play.

The Commanders never ruled Daniels out following the play, and coach Dan Quinn said the team simply chose not to put the second-year quarterback back into the 31-0 blowout.

But will Daniels be able to play in Week 15? Here is the latest on his status for Washington's game against the New York Giants.

Is Jayden Daniels playing Week 15?

Quinn announced during a Dec. 10 media availability Daniels would not play in Week 15 against the Giants because of his elbow injury.

"He did re-aggravate his elbow injury in the game," Quinn told reporters of Daniels. "No structural setbacks. However, through the medical evaluations over the last couple of days, including this morning, doctors advised us we hold him this Sunday."

Quinn said he was "bummed" for Daniels and noted the second-year quarterback is "working incredibly hard" to return to the field long-term.

Quinn also told reporters Daniels would practice ahead of Week 15, albeit on a limited basis. He also wouldn't rule out the second-year quarterback for the remainder of the season despite Washington being eliminated from postseason contention.

"Let's see where we're at next week," Quinn said. "We're always going to make the best decisions for him [and] for the team with what the medical opinions are."

Daniels' absence in Week 15 will be his seventh of the season. It will mark his fourth game missed because of the elbow problem after missing two games earlier in the season with a knee issue and one with a hamstring problem.

Daniels has posted a 2-5 record in his second season while completing 60.6% of his passes for 1,262 yards, eight touchdowns and three interceptions.

Commanders QB depth chart

Daniels' absence will open the door for Marcus Mariota to make his seventh start of the season. Below is a full look at Washington's depth chart behind Daniels.

  1. Jayden Daniels (injured)
  2. Marcus Mariota
  3. Josh Johnson
  4. Sam Hartman (practice squad)

Mariota has logged a 1-5 record in place of Daniels this season. He has completed 62.9% of his passes for 1,389 yards, nine touchdowns and seven interceptions.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Is Jayden Daniels playing Week 15? Injury update for Commanders QB

Reporting by Jacob Camenker, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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