What happened to Jayden Daniels? Commanders QB taken to locker room after brutal injury vs. Panthers

The Commanders are sitting pretty atop the NFC East because of how well rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels has been this season, and the Panthers were the underdogs coming into the game. However, things can change immediately in the NFL, and that's what happened.

Jayden Daniels took off on a run of 47 yards, showing why he's being considered one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the league. However, he took the ball into contact rather than giving himself up and that proved costly. After he was tackled, he looked in discomfort growing up. His helmet was askew, and he was seen rubbing his chest.

He continued the drive but was again seen in discomfort on a second-and-goal situation when Panthers linebacker Thomas Incoom tackled him. Eventually, he was removed, and Marcus Mariota came in. Jayden Daniels was taken to the locker room, and it was later revealed that he had suffered a rib injury.

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Jayden Daniels' injury has former Commanders QB Robert Griffin III praying

Jayden Daniels has been the best rookie quarterback from the 2024 NFL Draft class. He has been a true dual-threat player and was comfortably the favorite for the NFL Rookie of the Year Award prior to this injury.

In fact, there was an ongoing discussion about whether he should be in consideration for the MVP gong. Therefore, when Jayden Daniels went to the sideline and slammed his helmet in frustration, many were disappointed.

Robert Griffin III, who played for the organization and was a highly touted prospect himself, could certainly empathize. He won the Offensive Rookie of the Year award in Washington and took them to the divisional championship in 2012.

An injury in the playoffs not only ended his first year on a sour note but it also derailed his career. Eventually, he was replaced by Kirk Cousins. So, RGIII knows how quickly things can change and took to X to pray for Jayden Daniel, tweeting:

Daniels was questionable to return for the game and went to get his chest X-rayed. The results of that will tell us more about how long the rookie quarterback will be out and if he can return anytime soon.

The Commanders, who have been having a fantastic season, will certainly hope that is the case. The worst-case scenario would be something akin to what happened to Robert Griffin III. It's also a reminder for the young star to better protect himself on his runs.