Despite suffering a gruesome elbow injury in Week 2, Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels will be back on the field sooner than fans expected.
Daniels, the 2024 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, suffered a dislocated left elbow on the final play of the first half against the Dallas Cowboys. Although it may have looked like a season-ending injury, the Commanders confirmed Friday that he won’t be getting surgery at this time.
Since surgery isn’t on the table right now, Daniels isn’t going to be placed on injured reserve. That’s a strong sign that he’ll return to the Commanders’ huddle fairly soon.
“After a series of consultations, Commanders QB Jayden Daniels and all involved are hopeful for a quick return,” NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo said. “No IR indicates they hope for a return within four weeks.”
While some fans are glad Daniels won’t be placed on IR, others are wondering if the Commanders are playing a dangerous game with his elbow.
Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images.
“The feedback from Dr’s has been positive. But still a risk after two dislocations and the key is how best to mitigate,” ESPN’s John Keim said.
“The NFL needs to be investigated for the medical staffing of all 32 teams. The lengths these teams will go to in order to get players with significant injuries back on the field is absolutely crazy,” one fan commented.
“Dude they are going to kill him,” a second fan replied to the news.
“Why are we rushing him back,” another fan wrote on X.
The Commanders know what they have in Jayden.
Daniels has proven that he’s a true game-changer when healthy. In 26 career appearances, he has 5,090 passing yards, 1,269 rushing yards and 44 total touchdowns.
Unfortunately, injuries have plagued Daniels over the past two years. He has appeared in just nine games since the start of the 2025 season.
Marcus Mariota will start for the Commanders this Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks. The former Oregon star appeared in 11 games last season, throwing for 1,695 yards with 10 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
