Commanders teammates push back hard after Jayden Daniels injury video explodes online

Washington Commanders players are pushing back strongly against criticism surrounding their reaction to quarterback Jayden Daniels’ frightening elbow injury.

Daniels dislocated his left elbow Sunday after losing his balance while pulling away from under center. As he fell backward, the quarterback attempted to brace himself with his left arm, resulting in the injury.

However, a brief clip from the Fox broadcast created controversy after appearing to show several Washington players walking past Daniels while trainers attended to him. The footage quickly circulated on social media, with some questioning why more teammates weren’t surrounding the quarterback.

Commanders players slam backlash

Commanders players say the short clip failed to show the entire situation.

“It’s bulls— what people are saying,” left tackle Brandon Coleman said. “Jay’s our guy and he’s been our guy. There’s no malice behind it.”

Because the injury occurred on the final play of the first half, players were also being instructed to leave the field for halftime. Coach Dan Quinn explained that officials couldn’t delay halftime while Daniels received treatment.

“The players were like, ‘No, we want to stay,’” Quinn said, adding that the locker room was emotional following the injury.

Several players remained nearby while trainers worked on Daniels, while others gave medical personnel room. Players later returned after Daniels’ elbow had been put back into place.

Tight end Ben Sinnott said teammates weren’t abandoning their quarterback.

“You don’t want to crowd the guy,” Sinnott said. “Obviously guys are taking a step back and giving him space, praying, and we all came back.”

Receiver Terry McLaurin echoed that sentiment.

“We know we had to get back in the locker room,” McLaurin said, “but no one wanted to leave. That’s our brother.”

Offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. also took issue with the social-media narrative, saying Washington’s concern for Daniels shouldn’t be judged by a brief video.

“We all care for our quarterback,” Conerly said. “You can’t go off a simple 10-second clip.”

Daniels’ injury leaves Washington facing uncertainty at quarterback, but his teammates made one point clear: they believe the viral footage didn’t accurately reflect their concern for him.

More NFL news:

• Drake London apparently tells fan he will 'f— him up' as Falcons WR's frustrations boil over
• Dak Prescott reacts to breaking Tony Romo’s Cowboys touchdown record
• Todd Monken hits back at Mike Tomlin after first win as Browns coach: 'F— that'
• Patriots quietly make NFL history in blowout win over Steelers
• Colts record with Sauce Gardner: How Indianapolis has spiraled since blockbuster trade