Commanders’ Jayden Daniels exits with rib injury vs. Panthers

LANDOVER, Md. — Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels suffered a rib injury on his first possession of Sunday’s game and was ruled out of the 40-7 victory against the Carolina Panthers.

Daniels headed to the locker room in the first quarter and did not return to the sideline until after halftime, when he was dressed in street clothes.

A source told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler about Daniels’ X-ray: “He’s good.” His mother also posted on social media that “he’s fine.”

Daniels appeared to suffer the injury at the end of a 46-yard run on the Commanders’ first play from scrimmage. At the end of the run, Daniels turned slightly to his left to try to stiff arm Panthers safety Lonnie Johnson Jr. Linebacker Marquis Haynes helped tackle Daniels from behind as well.

After the next play, a handoff to Austin Ekeler, Daniels appeared to grab at his left side as he carried out a fake run to the left.

Daniels carried the ball two more times on the series. After the possession, trainers examined Daniels on the sideline before he went to the medical tent.

He threw a warm-up pass on the field before the Commanders’ next offensive series and grimaced in pain. He left the field and slammed his helmet to the ground on the sideline as Marcus Mariota took over.

Daniels, who has been the main sparkplug on an offense that entered the game ranked second in scoring, soon walked into the locker room for the remainder of the half.

He spent the second half on the bench chatting and laughing with teammates.

In the first six games, Daniels completed 75.3% of his passes for 1,404 yards, 6 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. He also rushed for 322 yards and four more scores.