A difficult season for the Washington Commanders worsened Sunday as veteran tight end Zach Ertz suffered a suspected torn ACL and rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels exited with another injury in a 31–0 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. The twin setbacks cast uncertainty on the team’s immediate future and reshaped an already frustrating night.
The Commanders’ sideline fell silent late in the third quarter when Ertz reached for a pass across the middle and was struck low by Vikings safety Jay Ward. The hit bent Ertz’s right leg sharply, sending him to the turf and prompting immediate attention from trainers. The 35-year-old could not put weight on the leg as teammates helped him toward the bench, and moments later, he was carted to the locker room with a towel draped over his head. Coach Dan Quinn told reporters afterward that “early signs say a serious injury” and that the team fears a torn ACL pending results from Monday’s imaging.
The emotional impact was clear in the locker room, as players struggled to process the loss of one of their leaders. “He’s one of the linchpins of our team,” wide receiver Terry McLaurin said. “I ain’t going to lie; it was tough for everybody.” Tight end John Bates echoed him, calling Ertz an “all-time great” and a “pro’s pro.” Ertz left on crutches, his face reddened as teammates offered support.
Ertz’s injury halts what had been a milestone season. Last week, he moved into fifth on the NFL’s all-time receptions list for tight ends with 825 catches. He entered Sunday with 49 receptions for 493 yards and four touchdowns, proving reliable despite his age. Quinn said, “This guy is one hell of a competitor. We all feel the frustration and emotion.”
Complications grew earlier in the quarter when Daniels exited after a violent collision while chasing linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel following an interception. As Daniels pursued, Isaiah Rodgers blocked him, sending Daniels onto his previously dislocated left elbow—the same injury that sidelined him from Nov. 9 until this week. Daniels stayed down briefly, then jogged to the sideline, where trainers removed padding and escorted him to the medical tent.
Though Daniels was listed as questionable to return, Quinn made the decision to keep him sidelined, noting that Minnesota had taken firm control of the game. “As a team, at this point we were off and felt like that was the right call,” Quinn said. He later added that Daniels “could have returned,” but the risk outweighed the benefit given the score and the quarterback’s injury history. According to ESPN, the team still hopes Daniels may play again this season.
The rookie’s availability has been a point of concern throughout the year. Daniels has finished only four of his seven starts and has been forced out of three consecutive games with injuries, including knee and hamstring issues, in addition to the dislocated elbow. He completed 9 of 20 passes for 78 yards and one interception before departing Sunday, a performance overshadowed by the physical toll of his return.
Despite mounting injuries, Commanders players praised Daniels’ competitiveness. Linebacker Bobby Wagner commented on his effort: “He’s a true competitor, a true fighter. It’s one of those fluke plays. Who doesn’t want their quarterback to hustle and try to save a touchdown?”
With five games left, Washington faces a precarious stretch that will test its depth and resilience. Ertz’s status looms large due to his presence, while Daniels’ development—viewed as a top priority—hangs in the balance. What was already a tough season now carries higher stakes as the Commanders await medical evaluations to shape their final weeks.
