Joe Burrow's comments should end this Jayden Daniels debate

The Washington Commanders are 3-8, and while not mathematically eliminated from playoff contention, it's only a matter of time. This has sparked debate over whether the Commanders should bring back quarterback Jayden Daniels this season. Daniels, who has suffered three separate injuries this season, has missed five games and will likely miss his sixth on Sunday against the Denver Broncos.

Daniels enjoyed arguably the greatest rookie season in NFL history in 2024, leading the Commanders to a surprising 12-5 record and an appearance in the NFC Championship Game. Things haven't gone smoothly this season, as Daniels has battled injuries. When he has been on the field, Daniels has had to play without some of his top offensive weapons, including wide receiver Terry McLaurin.

Daniels isn't the only star quarterback to miss time this season and is set to return to a 3-8 team.

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow was injured in Week 2. The Bengals have won only one game since. Much like Washington, Cincinnati isn't officially eliminated from the playoffs, but it is close.

So, naturally, Burrow is facing the same type of questions: Why return to a losing team with little hope of making the playoffs? He had the perfect answer.

"You look at it from my perspective: I am a football player," Burrow said Tuesday, via Chris Roling of Bengals Wire. "If I get hurt, I am going to go through the rehab process, and then I am going to let everyone know when I can play. I will not ever go to someone and say, ‘Yeah, I’m healthy, but I’m not going out there and play.' I am never ever going to live my life being scared that something may happen."

This is perfect from Burrow. Why would Burrow not want to play? Why would Daniels not want to play? You ask any player, coach, or ex-coach and most will tell you the same thing: if healthy, Daniels should play. It's not like he's returning to a lineup with an injured offensive line. Washington's offensive line is healthy and improving. Rookie right tackle Josh Conerly Jr. continues to improve, while left tackle Laremy Tunsil remains a stud. It isn't like Daniels' injuries have resulted from ineffective offensive line play.

While he didn't weigh in on Daniels, there's no one better to explain why Daniels should play better than Burrow. The two are currently facing remarkably similar situations.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Joe Burrow's comments impact Jayden Daniels