Jayden Daniels Injury Update: Commanders QB Seeks Specialists After Second Left-Elbow Dislocation

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels is consulting specialists after suffering a second dislocation of his left elbow in as many seasons, raising fresh concerns following an injury to the same joint that disrupted the end of his 2025 campaign.

Daniels was hurt on the final play of the first half in Washington's 37-20 defeat to the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, 20 September.

The Commanders confirmed that initial X-rays showed no fracture, but further imaging and specialist evaluations are being used to determine the extent of the damage and the next steps in his recovery.

The injury is particularly concerning because it is Daniels' second left-elbow dislocation in consecutive seasons. The quarterback also aggravated the same elbow after returning from the injury last year.

How Jayden Daniels Injured His Elbow

The injury occurred with three seconds remaining before half-time and Washington at the Dallas one-yard line. Daniels took the snap from under centre before guard Chris Paul accidentally stepped on his foot, causing the quarterback to lose his balance.

Daniels extended his left arm in an attempt to break his fall, but the elbow buckled beneath his weight. He managed to throw the ball away before remaining on the ground as medical staff rushed on to the field. His arm was subsequently placed in an air cast, and he was carted away for examination.

Washington ruled Daniels out for the remainder of the game, with Marcus Mariota replacing him at quarterback. Before the injury, Daniels had completed 11 of 17 passes for 96 yards and a touchdown while adding 69 rushing yards on seven carries.

Commanders Await Specialist Assessments

Head coach Dan Quinn confirmed after the game that Daniels had suffered a dislocation but avoided a fracture on the initial X-rays. 'He did injure his left elbow; it was a dislocation,' Quinn said, adding that Daniels would undergo additional imaging. Quinn said the team was 'bummed for him' and would rally around Mariota until Daniels is able to return.

The Commanders said on Monday that Daniels would miss some time and that further testing would determine the next steps in his recovery. No official timetable for his return has been announced.

That uncertainty makes the specialist consultations particularly important. The evaluations should give Washington and Daniels a clearer picture of the injury and help determine the appropriate next steps.

Daniels Injured Same Elbow in 2025

Daniels' history with the joint adds another layer of concern. He dislocated his non-throwing left elbow during a loss to the Seattle Seahawks on 2 November 2025. According to reports, Daniels subsequently missed four weeks before returning for one game, aggravating the elbow and then missing the final four games of the season.

Daniels had recovered sufficiently to return to football activities ahead of the 2026 campaign. The Commanders noted during training camp that he had returned to the field in June following the injury that ended his previous season.

Sunday's incident therefore represents another setback involving an elbow that had already required an extended recovery.

Marcus Mariota Set To Step In

The injury also leaves Washington facing uncertainty at quarterback after an 0-2 start to the season. Mariota finished Sunday's game after Daniels was ruled out, and Quinn made clear that the Commanders would support the veteran while their starting quarterback recovers.

Washington lost 37-20 to Dallas, but Daniels' injury quickly became the team's biggest concern from the afternoon.

For now, the encouraging development is that the initial X-rays found no fracture. However, with Daniels having dislocated the same elbow for a second consecutive season and further specialist assessments still taking place, the Commanders will have to wait before they know how long their franchise quarterback will be sidelined.