A brief video has intensified scrutiny of the Washington Commanders’ quarterback situation. Posted on X on Monday, it features Jayden Daniels’ mother, Regina Jackson, who hints that her son may soon return from the elbow injury that has kept him out since Week 9.
The clip, filmed outside Northwest Stadium following Washington’s 27–26 overtime loss to the Denver Broncos, shows Jackson walking through a tunnel when a fan calls out to her. Asking about Daniel’s recovery, the fan receives an unexpected answer. “He will, don’t worry about it,” Jackson replies, punctuating the remark with a celebratory fist pump before continuing toward the exit.
In the video, the fan — apparently hoping for the opposite outcome — offers a joking protest. “No, no, no, full recovery! We’re tanking!” he says, reflecting the frustration of a fan base watching its team sink deeper into the NFC standings. The Commanders’ 3–9 record has dragged them into the bottom tier of the league, and their latest defeat extended their losing streak to seven games.
Daniels’ injury occurred Nov. 3 during a 38–14 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, when the rookie quarterback’s non-throwing arm bent sharply as he was tackled near the goal line in the closing minutes. The dislocation, while painful and alarming on replay, did not result in a fracture or significant ligament damage. Doctors avoided surgery, and the team has consistently described his status as week-to-week.
In Daniels’ absence, Washington has cycled through difficult matchups and difficult outcomes. Losses to the Detroit Lions, Miami Dolphins, and Broncos have underscored how limited the offense has been without the dynamic playmaker under center. Veteran Marcus Mariota has filled in for three straight games, but the Commanders have struggled to finish drives and sustain consistency, scoring more than 20 points only once during the skid.
While the organization has offered no official timetable for Daniels’ return, his mother’s comments align with broader optimism behind the scenes. Daniels practiced in a limited capacity last week but has not yet been cleared for contact. Head coach Dan Quinn has repeatedly emphasized patience, noting that the team will not “rush” its franchise quarterback back into action. Daniels, for his part, expressed a strong interest in returning when he spoke to reporters last week, saying, “If I’m healthy, and I’m ready to go, I want to be out there.”
The Commanders travel to Minnesota in Week 14 to face a Vikings team fighting to remain relevant in the NFC playoff race. Washington, meanwhile, is focused on more modest goals: stabilizing an offense that has sputtered and regaining competitiveness in a season slipping toward its conclusion. Whether Daniels will be available remains unclear, though the signals from his family suggest encouragement.
Still, the team’s leadership must weigh the long-term implications. At 3–8, Washington is positioned to make a high pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Playing Daniels too soon risks aggravating the injury, especially with no postseason prospects remaining. Mariota has prepared to start once again, and coaches have praised his professionalism in shepherding the offense through difficult weeks.
Daniels’ potential return would mark a significant milestone in a season otherwise defined by setbacks. As one of the league’s most promising young quarterbacks, his presence changes the complexion of Washington’s offense — not only with his arm strength and mobility, but with the energy he brings to the huddle. For now, though, the Commanders wait, the fans debate, and the video of his mother’s confident assurance continues to circulate. Whether Daniels plays in Week 14 or continues his recovery, Washington’s final games will clarify both his health outlook and the franchise’s path forward. 025.
