Jayden Daniels will not play in Week 3 against the Seattle Seahawks, with Marcus Mariota starting in his place. The Washington Commanders quarterback suffered another dislocated left elbow during the team’s Week 2 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. The incident occurred on the final play of the first half when Daniels used his non-throwing arm to brace himself during a fall.
The injury immediately raised concerns about whether Daniels could miss the remainder of the 2026 season. He also dislocated the same elbow last November, missing four games before returning and later aggravating the injury, which ultimately ended his season.
Jayden Daniels’ Return Timeline After Missing Week 3
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The latest update is encouraging. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Sunday that Daniels received good news after getting several opinions and consulting with experts. Rapoport said Daniels is expected back in three weeks or sooner, will wear a brace on the injured elbow and will return to the Commanders.
“[Jayden Daniels] did get some good news this week after several opinions and consulting with experts,” Rapoport said. “My understanding is he is expected back at three weeks or sooner, gonna put a brace on that elbow, but should be back with the Commanders. No IR there, that is excellent news.”
The timeline would put Daniels in position to potentially return as early as Week 6, when Washington visits the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football, although the Commanders have not announced a specific return date.
Jayden Daniels Will Not Undergo Surgery
Head coach Dan Quinn confirmed that Daniels is week-to-week, would not undergo surgery and would not be placed on injured reserve. Quinn called the news a positive development after the third-year quarterback consulted multiple specialists.
Daniels had completed 56.9% of his passes for 260 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions through two games this season. He also had 100 rushing yards before the injury.
The Commanders are 0-2 to start the year and will continue without their franchise quarterback. However, despite the initial fears, there is no indication that his season is over.
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