Kurt Warner fires back after Jayden Daniels injury comments spark backlash

Kurt Warner has pushed back on criticism surrounding his comments about Jayden Daniels potentially playing through his latest elbow injury after comparing it to an injury he suffered during his own NFL career.

The Hall of Fame quarterback explained that he was not telling Daniels he should play through the injury or questioning his toughness.

Warner's comments came after Daniels re-dislocated his left elbow during Washington's Week 2 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. The Commanders later confirmed that Daniels would not undergo surgery or be placed on injured reserve, although there is currently no official timetable for his return.

Kurt Warner clarifies his comments after Jayden Daniels injury comparison

Warner originally discussed his experience on NFL Live, recalling how he dislocated his left elbow while playing for the Arizona Cardinals in 2007 before returning the following week with a brace.

Because Daniels' injury is also to his non-throwing arm, Warner suggested there could potentially be a path for the Commanders quarterback to return in a similar situation.

That comparison quickly drew criticism, prompting Warner to address the reaction on Instagram.

"I'm not telling anybody, 'Hey, you need to go out and play. You're not tough if you don't go out and play. That's not what I said at all. Those weren't the words that I used, so don't try to put those words into my mouth," Warner said.

He later acknowledged that his own injury was not identical to Daniels' situation.

"No, my situation is not Jaden Daniels' exact situation. He's a younger guy; he's a more mobile guy. There's lots of things to consider," Warner said.

Warner explained that his intention was to give viewers perspective based on an injury he had personally experienced, while recognising that Daniels' circumstances are different.

Meanwhile, Washington has taken a cautious approach. Daniels underwent evaluations with multiple specialists and will remain on the 53-man roster, with the Commanders describing him as week-to-week.

Marcus Mariota will start against the Seattle Seahawks while Daniels works towards a return, with teammates rallying around both quarterbacks.

Dan Quinn said the team would wait for all the available medical information before making further decisions, leaving Daniels' return timeline open as Washington prepares for a crucial stretch of games.