Jayden Daniels could return to the Washington Commanders’ starting lineup sooner than expected after making progress from his second left elbow dislocation.
According to The Athletic’s Jonathan Jones, Daniels, who has already been ruled out of Sunday’s Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts in London, has targeted the Oct. 11 home game against the New York Giants as a possible return date.
“Jayden Daniels’ return to the starting lineup could be just one week away,” Jones wrote. “Daniels was ruled out for Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts, the second straight game he’ll miss with a dislocated left elbow. But after traveling with the team to London and practicing in a limited capacity with a brace, Daniels has his sights set on returning as early as Oct. 11, at home against the Giants.”
Daniels practiced on a limited basis this week while wearing a brace on his non-throwing elbow, and Jones reported that Washington views a full week of practice next week as the ultimate indication that Daniels would be ready to return.
“For Daniels, his return is about pain tolerance, functionality and building the strength back in his elbow,” Jones wrote. “The team believes the risk of injury is incredibly low thanks to the brace.”
Daniels, meanwhile, made clear Thursday that the possibility of another dislocation isn’t weighing on him, and that he’s not thinking of potentially reinjuring his shoulder.
“That’s what the brace is for,” Daniels said. “If I had concerns, I would’ve gotten surgery.”
Amber Searls-Imagn Images
Jones reported that Daniels and Washington haven’t ruled out offseason surgery after the quarterback suffered the same injury twice, but for now he’s set to return to the starting lineup once he can play with the brace.
ALSO SEE:
- Deshaun Watson Isn’t Done Making Things Difficult for the Cleveland Browns
- Best Week 4 NFL Picks: Experts’ Best Bets Against the Spread
- Kenny Gainwell Talks Bucs, Jalon Daniels, College Sports, and Proving the Doubters Wrong
For now, Marcus Mariota will make his second consecutive start on Sunday when Washington faces Indianapolis in London at 9:30 a.m. ET.
