The Washington Commanders received the clearest recovery timeline for starting quarterback Jayden Daniels on Sunday after he dislocated his left elbow for the second time in 10 months.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Daniels is expected to return within three weeks and won’t go on injured reserve after receiving encouraging medical opinions this week.
“Let’s start with Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, dealing with a dislocated left elbow,” Rapoport said. “He is out for today’s game; Marcus Mariota starts. (Daniels) did get some good news this week after several opinions and consulting with experts. My understanding is he is expected back (in) three weeks or sooner; he’s going to put a brace on that elbow, but should be back with the Commanders.
“No (Injured Reserve placement) there; that is excellent news.”
Daniels suffered the injury on the final play of the first half of Washington’s 37-20 Week 2 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Initial X-rays showed no fracture, and Daniels underwent additional testing while consulting multiple specialists during the week.
The Athletic reported Daniels will wear a brace to protect his non-throwing elbow when he returns to the field for Washington, “with the hope that he doesn’t aggravate or reinjure the elbow as the Commanders strive to get back to the playoffs.”
The update provides a more specific timeline after Commanders head coach Dan Quinn called Daniels week-to-week Friday.
Commanders general manager Adam Peters, meanwhile, had already acknowledged surgery wasn’t under consideration and Washington hadn’t discussed placing its starting quarterback on injured reserve.
Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Daniels dislocated the same elbow against the Seattle Seahawks last November. He missed three games before returning, then aggravated the injury and missed the remainder of the 2025 season.
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Marcus Mariota will start on Sunday against Seattle, with rookie Athan Kaliakmanis serving as Washington’s backup. If Rapoport’s timeline is correct, Daniels could return for Washington’s Week 5 matchup against the New York Giants.
