Dan Quinn Gives Injury Update on Struggling $37 Million Rookie QB as Big Marshon Lattimore Return Impeccably Timed For Commanders Ahead of Week 12

Dan Quinn Gives Injury Update on Struggling $37 Million Rookie QB as Big Marshon Lattimore Return Impeccably Timed For Commanders Ahead of Week 12

It feels like just a few weeks ago the Washington Commanders were the hottest team in the NFL.

After Week 9, with a 7-2 record, the Commanders were off to their best start since 1996 and were leading the NFC East. However, two consecutive losses to the Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles turned into a “Pennsylvania Nightmare,” leaving the Commanders with a 7-4 record. Now, they’re barely holding onto the seventh and final spot in the NFC playoff race, with back-to-back home games against the Dallas Cowboys and Tennessee Titans on the horizon.

With their season hanging in the balance, the Commanders now find themselves addressing concerns about the health of rookie quarterback sensation Jayden Daniels. These concerns are entirely valid, as the No. 2 overall pick, who signed a four-year, $37.7 million contract, has not looked like the same player in recent weeks.

A common theory is that Jayden Daniels may still be dealing with a rib injury he sustained during the Week 7 matchup against the Carolina Panthers, which caused him to miss all but one series in that game.

As The Athletic’s Ben Standing noted on November 19, Daniels, who set a record with an 82.1% completion rate through the first four weeks of the season, has seen a dramatic drop in his performance. Over the past four games, his completion percentage has fallen to 59.5%, ranking him 28th in the league. Overall, Daniels is completing 68.7% of his passes with three interceptions. During this recent four-game stretch, he has accounted for only four of his 14 total offensive touchdowns, and his rushing yards have significantly decreased.

Commanders Head Coach: Daniels Not Injured

Commanders head coach Dan Quinn firmly defended Jayden Daniels, asserting that injuries are not the reason for his recent drop in performance.

“I want to start by saying clearly and honestly, Jayden is not injured right now,” Quinn told the media on November 18. “However, we did lose valuable practice time when he was injured, and that has been tough on everyone. It’s a crucial aspect of what we do, and we don’t have the luxury of accumulated reps. We’re eager to get back to a full week of regular practice sessions with the team. Over the past few weeks, we’ve had to piece things together in smaller chunks.”

Daniels Hasn’t Shown He Can Be Only Pocket Passer

While Jayden Daniels may one day become one of the NFL’s top pocket passers, that’s not the strength of his game at this point in his career. If the Commanders want to succeed, they need to keep defenses honest by incorporating Daniels’ ability to run the ball.

When Daniels does take off and run, he transforms into one of the NFL’s most dynamic players — not just as a quarterback, but as a legitimate MVP candidate.

Through 11 games — effectively 10 games, excluding the one series against the Panthers — Daniels has accumulated 482 rushing yards, 4 touchdowns, and an impressive 5.4 yards per carry. However, his rushing production has slowed in the last two games, totaling just 23 yards on 10 carries, after consistently posting at least 35 rushing yards per game in the first nine games.

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The Commanders will also need to rely on their running game to take some of the pressure off quarterback Sam Howell. With Lattimore and the Saints’ pass rush pressuring Howell, running back Brian Robinson Jr. will be key to controlling the tempo of the game and maintaining offensive balance. If Robinson can find success on the ground, it could open up play-action opportunities for Howell and help Washington exploit the Saints’ defense in other ways.

**What to Watch For in Week 12**

1. **Jayden Daniels’ Health and Performance:**
The biggest question mark heading into Week 12 is whether Jayden Daniels will be able to play at a high level despite his injury. If Daniels is unable to fully recover or perform effectively, the Saints may need to make a change at quarterback. The backup quarterback will need to step up in a critical game, and how the Saints manage their QB situation will have a major impact on the outcome of the game.

2. **Marshon Lattimore’s Impact on Washington’s Passing Game:**
The return of Marshon Lattimore is a huge development for the Saints’ defense. Watch how Lattimore is used to neutralize Washington’s top receivers, particularly Terry McLaurin. Lattimore’s ability to make key plays and shut down passing lanes could be a game-changer in limiting Washington’s offensive production.

3. **The Saints’ Defensive Strategy Against Washington:**
With Lattimore back in the fold, the Saints’ defense should have a renewed focus on stopping the Commanders’ passing game. Expect the Saints to try and generate pressure on Sam Howell while covering his weapons with Lattimore and the rest of the secondary. If the Saints can force Howell into mistakes, it will give them a strong chance to win.

4. **Washington’s Offensive Adaptability:**
For Washington, the key will be how they adjust to Lattimore’s return. They will need to make sure they don’t rely too heavily on the passing game but instead mix in enough runs and short passes to avoid Lattimore’s coverage. Keeping the Saints’ defense on its toes will be crucial for Washington to have a chance.

**Conclusion**

Week 12’s game between the New Orleans Saints and the Washington Commanders is shaping up to be a must-watch matchup, with plenty of intriguing storylines. Jayden Daniels’ struggles and injury status will be a critical factor in determining how well the Saints’ offense can perform, while Marshon Lattimore’s return to the Saints’ defense provides a much-needed boost. With both teams fighting for playoff contention, the outcome of this game will likely hinge on which team can capitalize on key injuries and make the most of its opportunities.

As the Saints look to stay afloat in a competitive NFC South, they will need Daniels to overcome his struggles and for Lattimore to return to his All-Pro form. Meanwhile, the Commanders must find ways to attack the Saints’ defense while also adjusting to the added challenge that Lattimore’s return presents. Week 12 will be an exciting test of each team’s resilience and ability to adapt to critical situations.