MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – Washington Commanders’ hopes of building momentum were dashed on Sunday as injuries and offensive struggles compounded in a 31-0 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Coach Dan Quinn had entered the game optimistic, fielding his starting quarterback, Jayden Daniels, and top three wide receivers for the first time since Week 2. But the Commanders’ offense collapsed, and key players were sidelined, leaving the team to absorb another humbling defeat.
Daniels re-injured his left elbow in the third quarter after a deflected pass and a hard hit from Vikings cornerback Isaiah Rodgers. He retreated to the sideline in obvious pain and was replaced by backup Marcus Mariota, who completed only 2 of 4 passes, threw an interception, and lost a fumble. Moments later, veteran tight end Zach Ertz suffered a serious knee injury, feared to be a torn ACL, leaving the team with two major losses on a night of offensive futility. Washington gained just 206 total yards and was shut out for the first time since 2019, falling to 3-10 on the season, a stark contrast to their NFC championship appearance just 11 months ago.
Quinn explained that keeping Daniels on the bench was a precaution, saying, “He was questionable to return and could have. It was my decision to sit him out.” The game unraveled quickly, with Minnesota quarterback J.J. McCarthy throwing three touchdown passes and the Vikings rushing for 162 yards. The Commanders’ defense, already among the league’s worst, struggled to contain Minnesota, while the offense could not establish any rhythm.
The locker room mood was somber as players processed the defeat and the injuries to two team leaders. Linebacker Bobby Wagner reflected on the impact, saying, “It’s tough to see good men, true competitors go down. Our job as teammates and brothers is to be there for them to lean on.” Ertz left the stadium on crutches, and the team is awaiting MRI results, with early indications raising concerns about the severity of the injury. Quinn acknowledged the setback, noting, “The early signals aren’t good. Let’s hope for the best.”
