Jayden Daniels’ stellar rookie season has placed the Washington Commanders front and center when it comes to the NFL exposure, but the rookie quarterback couldn’t finish the Week 7 matchup against the Carolina Panthers after a rib injury took him out of the game in the first quarter. Daniels was hurt on the Commanders’ first drive of the game at some point. He was able to lead the offense to three points after the Panthers had to punt the ball away. At some point, he hurt his ribs and was clearly in discomfort as trainers checked him out on the sideline. He eventually went to the locker room for X-rays and CBS sideline reporter Evan Washburn said he threw his helmet down in frustration, obviously an ominous sign.
Based off ESPN’s John Keim’s tweet, Daniels could’ve hurt his ribs on the Commanders’ offense’s first play of the game, which was a zone read that led to a 46-yard run by Daniels that ended in an awkward tackle.
On the play after the 46-yard run, Daniels handed off to Ekeler and then grabbed his left side as he ran to the left.
— John Keim (@john_keim) October 20, 2024
On the first offensive play from scrimmage, Jayden Daniels keeps it on the zone-read and takes it nearly 50 yards! WEEEEEEEE #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/WCXPC3MOZA
— Chad Ryan (@ChadwikoTWW) October 20, 2024
Jayden Daniels headed to the locker room. pic.twitter.com/U3WpBdNMwO
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) October 20, 2024
Veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota came into the game and led the Commanders offense to a three-and-out on the first drive. Mariota was sacked on 2nd and 6, which led to a 3rd and 10, but Zach Ertz’s false start created a 3rd and 15 that the offense couldn’t overcome. Brian Robinson propelled the Commanders to their first offensive touchdown of the game on the next possession and then a huge defensive stop on a Panthers 4th and 1 from their own 40 gave Mariota and co. great field position to where an ineffective drive on offense still resulted in three points that gave Washington a 20-0 lead. Mariota later led the offense on a 92-yard touchdown drive right before halftime while making several good throws. He went 5-of-6 for 75-yards and a touchdown, showing he can hold down the fort for the rest of the game…