Bad to worse: Commanders lose QB Jayden Daniels, TE Zach Ertz

Field Level Media|published: Sun 7th December, 15:57 2025

NFL: Washington Commanders at Minnesota Vikings

Dec 7, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) drops back to pass against the Minnesota Vikings during the first half at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels and tight end Zach Ertz each left Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings because of injuries.

Daniels' injury marked another low point in a season filled with them for Washington. In the third quarter, he threw an interception to Vikings pass rusher Andrew Van Ginkel and chased after him, but Vikings defensive back Isaiah Rodgers blocked Daniels with a hard shove.

The shove sent Daniels to the turf, where he landed on his left elbow that he had dislocated earlier in the season. Daniels missed the last three games because of the injury and returned Sunday after being cleared for contact only two days earlier.

Daniels was not the only Commanders player who went down with an injury.

Ertz leaped to try to make a catch in the second half and was drilled in his right leg by Vikings defender Jay Ward. The 35-year-old Ertz was helped to a cart on the sideline, where he was emotional as teammates came to offer encouragement.

--Field Level Media

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