During the 2024 NFL season, Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels suffered a rib injury that was initially considered “week-to-week.” The injury occurred on October 20, 2024, during the first offensive drive of a game against the Carolina Panthers. In a recent video, Daniels casually mentioned that his rib was broken (video below).
During the Panthers game, Daniels was tackled after a long run, landing awkwardly. While he finished the drive, he was later taken to the locker room for X-rays. At the time, the team announced that the injury was not a long-term issue and that they were being cautious. Daniels was able to play the following week against the Chicago Bears, a game where he threw a game-winning Hail Mary touchdown.
In the recent video, Daniels said “with a broke rib”admitting he was playing with a broken rib during that time, and providing new context to his “gutty performance” against the Bears. The quarterback was featured in a video analyzing famous Hail Mary plays with Saquon Barkley and Justin Jefferson when he made the admission. This revelation makes his ability to complete a long-distance, game-winning pass while dealing with a significant injury even more impressive.
The rib injury was just one challenge in what proved to be a historic rookie campaign for Daniels. The Heisman Trophy winner shattered expectations, quickly establishing himself as one of the league’s most dynamic young stars. He was named the 2024 AP Offensive Rookie of the Year after throwing for 3,568 yards and 25 touchdowns with a 100.1 passer rating.
He also broke the rookie quarterback rushing record, previously held by Robert Griffin III, with 891 yards on the ground and six rushing touchdowns. Daniels led the Commanders to their first playoff appearance in years and ultimately to their first NFC Championship game since the 1991 season, winning over a previously downtrodden fanbase and proving his Heisman-winning performance was no fluke.
Mannnn Justin Jefferson seems to love Jayden Daniels 🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/7YKwiJN87b
— The Weekly Audible (@WeeklyAudible) August 4, 2025