Jayden Daniels avoids surgery after dislocating his elbow, with the Commanders expecting the quarterback back within the next month.
Jayden Daniels avoids surgery after dislocating his elbow, giving the Washington Commanders a more encouraging outlook as they navigate the quarterback’s latest injury.
Daniels suffered the injury during Washington’s Week 2 loss to the Dallas Cowboys after he fell awkwardly and used his left arm to brace himself. The quarterback was later diagnosed with a dislocated left elbow.
After consulting with multiple medical specialists, the Commanders determined that surgery is not currently necessary. General manager Adam Peters also indicated that the team has not discussed placing Daniels on injured reserve.
Jayden Daniels Won’t Undergo Surgery
The latest update provides some relief for Washington after the injury initially appeared potentially serious.
Peters said surgery is “not on the table” at this point and explained that the organization is focused on determining the best way to get Daniels back on the field.
The Commanders have not announced an exact return date. Head coach Dan Quinn described Daniels as week-to-week, while the decision not to place him on injured reserve suggests Washington believes he could return before missing four games.
Commanders Expect a Shorter Absence
A stint on injured reserve would require Daniels to miss at least four games. Washington’s decision not to take that route indicates the team believes his recovery could fit within that window.
The expectation is that Daniels could be back within roughly a month, although the Commanders have emphasized that his exact timetable remains undetermined.
Washington will not rush its starting quarterback back before he is ready.
Marcus Mariota Set to Start
With Daniels unavailable for the upcoming matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota will take over as Washington’s starter.
Mariota gives the Commanders an experienced option while Daniels works through his recovery.
Quinn also praised the team’s support for Mariota, saying the Commanders’ captains even asked for him to be recognized as an additional captain during Daniels’ absence.
Daniels’ Previous Elbow Injury Adds Concern
The latest injury is particularly notable because it involves the same elbow Daniels injured last season.
Daniels previously dislocated his left elbow against the Seattle Seahawks in November 2025. He returned after roughly four weeks but later aggravated the injury, ultimately ending his season.
That history means Washington is expected to take a cautious approach this time around.
Daniels Had Started the Season Strong
Before the injury, Daniels had been putting together an encouraging start to the 2026 season.
Through Washington’s first two games, he completed 56.9% of his passes for 260 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. He also added 100 rushing yards.
His absence leaves the Commanders without their starting quarterback as they prepare for a challenging stretch of the schedule.
Commanders Focus on Daniels’ Recovery
For now, the Commanders are concentrating on rehabilitation rather than surgery.
Daniels’ return remains officially listed as week-to-week, and the team has not committed to a specific game for his comeback.
Still, avoiding surgery and staying off injured reserve gives Washington a more favorable short-term scenario than initially feared. The next several weeks will determine how quickly Daniels can regain the strength and stability needed to return to the field.
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