Commanders' Dan Quinn responds as fans react to controversial injury decision

The Washington Commanders’ loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday night was overshadowed by a scary moment late in the game.

Quarterback Jayden Daniels suffered a dislocated elbow on a read-option play in the fourth quarter. This moment sparked controversy as fans questioned why the young signal-caller was still in the game.

Head coach Dan Quinn addressed the decision postgame, acknowledging the outcome was tough and expressing regret for how it unfolded.

Dan Quinn on whether or not there was consideration to pull Jayden Daniels ahead of the series where he ultimately suffered a left elbow injury. DQ says right now they only know it is a left elbow injury, and will find out more later. pic.twitter.com/GldKZFXSAY
— David Harrison (@DHarrison82) November 3, 2025

Quinn Reflects on the Decision

Daniels’ injury occurred with the game well out of reach, raising immediate criticism toward the Commanders’ coaching staff. Quinn explained the team's decision and mindset.

“Yeah. Not at that space,” Quinn said when asked if he considered removing Daniels late in the game. “I mean, obviously like the hindsight, you don't want to think that way, where an injury could take place. You know, obviously we're more conservative in that spot to run and hand off and not have reads to go, but just the end result – obviously, I'm bummed.”

The play in question saw Daniels run a read-option up the middle before being tackled awkwardly, dislocating his elbow in the process. Daniels immediately clutched his arm in pain before being helped off the field by trainers. It was a gut-wrenching sight for a team already dealing with several major injuries this season.

Quinn Commits to Protecting Daniels Going Forward

The Commanders have already seen Daniels miss time this season with a hamstring injury, and now face another setback for their franchise quarterback. Quinn made it clear what the franchise plans to do with Daniels moving foward.

“I think the answer to that is we will give him the support to do that,” Quinn said. “And I'm certain of that to make sure that we do that in every, every single way. And that's calls on offense, defense, you know, like the whole way through, man. I absolutely feel that way on the hamstring injury and so tonight with an elbow, yeah, it's really important we get that part right and we will.”

Fan Reactions to the Injury

Fans and players took to social media almost immediately after the play, expressing concern and frustration over seeing Daniels injured late in a blowout loss. Many offered prayers for his recovery, while others questioned the decision to keep him on the field with the game already out of reach.

Prayers up for Jayden Daniels
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) November 3, 2025

"This was malpractice by Dan Quinn. [Jayden Daniels] is your prized possession as a franchise. What's the point of having him in the game!"@DHx34 reacts to Jayden Daniels' injury against the Seahawks. pic.twitter.com/QBBeUbaIL0
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) November 3, 2025

🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 Jayden Daniels
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) November 3, 2025

We’re not sure if you heard Unc the first 12 times, but why was Jayden Daniels in the game, Dan Quinn?!@ShannonSharpe @ochocinco @ShayShayMedia_ pic.twitter.com/5LIEyl6eWU
— Nightcap (@NightcapShow_) November 3, 2025

Daniels’ toughness and leadership have made him a fan favorite, but the hope now is that he’ll recover and Washington learns from this moment moving forward.

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