One NFL coach is expressing skepticism over whether Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels can maintain his current level of rushing productivity over the long term. As Daniels continues to make a name for himself as a dual-threat signal-caller, concerns about his sustainability and health are becoming more pronounced.
“We will see if it is sustainable over multiple years,” the coach told The Athletic’s Mike Sando, highlighting the potential long-term risks associated with Daniels’ aggressive rushing approach.
Daniels, who has dazzled with his mobility and dynamic playmaking abilities, saw heavy usage on the ground during the first part of the season.
In the Commanders’ first five games, Daniels carried the ball 57 times for 300 yards and scored four rushing touchdowns. However, that workload has been noticeably reduced over the past five games, with Daniels logging just 28 carries for 164 yards. The shift suggests that the Commanders are making a conscious effort to manage his rushing load to preserve his health.
Opposing defenses also seem to be adjusting to the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner, making it harder for Daniels to find running lanes. In last Sunday’s narrow 28-27 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Daniels was held to just five rushing yards—a clear indicator that teams are game-planning to contain his rushing threat.
Daniels’ health has been a focal point of concern, especially after he suffered a rib injury during the Commanders’ Week 7 victory over the Carolina Panthers.
The injury forced Daniels to leave the game early, raising questions about his availability for Washington’s Week 8 matchup against the Chicago Bears. Leading up to that game, Daniels missed multiple practices as he recovered. Despite this, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that “all signs point to” him playing, and the plan was for the former LSU star to go through pregame warmups to determine his readiness. Schefter also cited a team official who praised Daniels, calling him “one tough-ass dude.”
Daniels not only played in the game against the Bears, but he also delivered one of the early highlights of his rookie campaign—a successful Hail Mary pass on the final play that clinched a dramatic victory for the Commanders. The play showcased Daniels’ resilience and ability to step up in clutch moments, further solidifying his reputation as an exciting young talent.
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So far, Daniels has had an impressive rookie season. He has completed 68.7 percent of his passes for 2,147 yards, nine touchdowns, and two interceptions.
His ability to extend plays with his legs and make key throws has energized Washington’s offense and given fans hope for the future.
However, the Commanders’ faithful know all too well the injury risks that come with dual-threat quarterbacks. Many still remember Robert Griffin III’s devastating torn ACL and LCL from the 2012 season—a setback that ultimately derailed what had once been a promising career.
With that cautionary tale in mind, it has become imperative for the Commanders to find a balance in managing Daniels’ workload. While his rushing ability is a significant asset, the team must be careful not to overuse it at the expense of his long-term health.
The reduction in Daniels’ carries over the past several games is likely an attempt to strike that balance, and it will be crucial for the coaching staff to continue making adjustments as needed.
As the Commanders move forward, the focus will be on finding ways to keep Daniels effective without exposing him to unnecessary injury risks.
His arm talent and football IQ have proven to be just as valuable as his rushing ability, and leaning more on his passing game could help reduce the physical toll on his body. The Commanders have an opportunity to build around a talented young quarterback, but managing his health and ensuring he can be a long-term solution at the position will require careful planning.
For now, Jayden Daniels remains a bright spot in an up-and-down season for Washington.
But the skepticism expressed by NFL coaches serves as a reminder that the key to his success—and to the Commanders’ future—will be sustainability. Finding the right approach to maximize his talent while protecting his health will be critical as Daniels continues his journey in the NFL.
