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

Daniels returned to the sideline at halftime, wearing sweatpants and a hoodie, and without his helmet in sight. 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 doing well.” Partial owner said Magic Johnson he “prays Jayden Daniels’ injury isn’t serious!”

Daniels, who ran for 46 yards on the Commanders’ first offense, took multiple hits on their opening drive, including a fall on his head on that play. It is 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 on a third-down completion before Austin Seibert’s field goal that gave Washington a 10-0 lead. He initially went to the bench, but moved to the blue medical tent for evaluation.

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

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

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

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