Jayden Daniels to Avoid Surgery and IR for Dislocated Elbow

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels will focus on rehabilitation and wearing a brace rather than undergoing surgery for his dislocated left elbow.

Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters confirmed that quarterback Jayden Daniels will not undergo surgery or be placed on injured reserve following a dislocated left elbow. Daniels suffered the injury on the final play of the first half during Sunday's 37-20 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. The injury occurred on a third-and-goal from the 1-yard line when Daniels' left foot was stepped on by guard Chris Paul, causing the quarterback to fall and his arm to buckle.

Marcus Mariota will start for the 0-2 Commanders in their upcoming game against the 2-0 Seattle Seahawks. By avoiding injured reserve, Daniels remains eligible to return within the next four weeks, a period in which Washington faces Seattle, Indianapolis, and the Giants. The quarterback underwent X-rays and an MRI on Monday, which revealed no bone fractures. This marks the second time Daniels has dislocated his non-throwing elbow, having previously suffered the injury in Week 9 of the 2024 season.

Before the injury, Daniels recorded 96 passing yards and one touchdown, along with 69 rushing yards against Dallas. Through six quarters this season, he has totaled 260 passing yards, three touchdowns, and 100 rushing yards on 12 carries. Doctors have advised Daniels that while a brace will be used to mitigate risk during his rehabilitation, there is no guarantee against future dislocations. Specialists noted that surgical reconstruction would have ended his season, but current imaging showed the elbow in a condition suitable for conservative management.