LANDOVER, Md. (AP) – Jayden Daniels suffered a rib injury that forced the Washington Commanders’ dynamic rookie quarterback out of Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers.

At halftime, Daniels returned to the sideline in sweatpants and a hoodie, his helmet nowhere to be seen. He waved to some fans in the crowd and the Commanders shut him out while leading 27-0.

His mother, Regina Jackson, posted on social media the simple message: “He is fine.” Partner Magic Johnson said He’s “praying Jayden Daniels’ injury isn’t serious!”

Daniels, who ran for 46 yards on the Commanders’ first offensive snap, took several hits on their opening drive – including a head-over-heel fall on the play. It was not clear exactly when he was injured.

LSU’s No. 2 pick and 2023 Heisman Trophy winner appeared to be in pain as he left the field after a third-down completion before Austin Seibert’s field goal that gave Washington a 10-0 lead. He first went to the bank, but then moved to the blue medical tent to be examined.

After Andy Dalton’s second interception of the first quarter, Daniels left the tent and went back on the field to throw a few passes. He returned to the sideline and slammed his helmet on the turf before returning to the tent.

Daniels then walked from the sideline through the tunnel to the locker room, towel in hand. Veteran Marcus Mariota replaced him and led a drive that ended with a Brian Robinson Jr. touchdown run to make it 17-0.

Daniels entered the game as the favorite to win Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. He threw for 1,404 yards, ran for 322 yards and accounted for 10 touchdowns in his first six games.

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