| Quick Answer: Here is the latest Jayden Daniels Injury Update: Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels dislocated his left elbow — the same elbow he injured in 2025 — during the Week 2 game against the Dallas Cowboys on 20 September 2026. X-rays came back clear of any fracture, but he underwent further testing on the Monday after the game to confirm the full extent of the damage. There is no official return date yet. Based on similar injuries, doctors say a simple dislocation with no major ligament damage could mean a return in three to six weeks, while a more serious ligament tear could keep him out much longer. |
Jayden Daniels had a good night in Dallas on Sunday before suffering a frightening injury on the final play of the first half. The Washington Commanders quarterback was stepped on by his own offensive lineman and landed awkwardly on his left arm, which bent backwards at the elbow. Daniels had to be taken off the field on a stretcher after covering his eyes with a towel.
It’s not the first time it’s happened, either, as Daniels suffered a nearly identical injury at the same point in the season last year
Here’s what we know about the injury, what it could mean for Daniels’ season and how long it could take to heal.
What Happened to Jayden Daniels?
With the Commanders trailing the Cowboys and the ball on the one-yard line with just three seconds left before halftime, Washington decided against kicking a field goal and went into the play. Daniels took a snap under centre but was stepped on by left guard Chris Paul. As he stumbled sideways, he planted his left hand on the turf to break his fall and his elbow popped out of its socket.
He managed to throw the ball away before going down in pain. Medical staff placed his arm in a brace and helped him off the field on a cart. Head coach Dan Quinn confirmed after the game that Daniels had dislocated his left elbow, but said X-rays taken straight after the game showed no fracture – a genuinely good early sign.
Is This the Same Injury as Last Season?
Yes, and that is precisely why fans and doctors are so concerned. On 2 November 2025, Daniels tore his left elbow for the second time during a loss to the Seattle Seahawks, as covered by NFL News, causing him to miss the next four games causing him to miss the next four games, a Week 14 win, and the final three contests of the 2025 regular season. Though it was not career-ending (no ligaments were torn) and did not require surgery to repair, the injury is notable because a joint that has been dislocated once is more likely to experience the same issue again in the future
Sports medicine analysts who reviewed the footage of the incident concluded that the player’s injury is classified as “similar to last season,” rather than completely distinct from it
Thus, it is evident that this unfortunate event affects not only the player’s life but also the lives of those who watch him compete on the screen.
new. The good news is that it’s his left elbow — his non-throwing arm — which matters a lot for a quarterback’s long-term outlook.
What’s His Current Injury Status?
As of now, Jayden Daniels’ official status is out, with no firm return date announced. Here’s the current picture:
- Injury: Dislocated left elbow (non-throwing arm)
- X-rays: Came back negative for any fracture
- Next step: Further imaging and evaluation were carried out on the Monday after the game
- Team statement: Coach Dan Quinn confirmed Daniels would miss time, but gave no exact timetable
- Backup: Marcus Mariota is expected to start at quarterback while Daniels recovers
How Long Could Jayden Daniels Be Out?
Each case of elbow dislocation is unique, and the final conclusion depends on the following tests’ results. The sports medicine specialists who evaluated the injury have several scenarios in mind:
The majority of dislocations usually require between three and six weeks before returning to action. That is the scenario that saw Daniels return to the field last time, and if it repeats, he should be back within a month.
If the ligaments are injured, it will take six to ten weeks or even more to recover fully and be able to participate in sports again.
Finally, if there is a fracture or significant joint damage, this could sideline him for the entire season. Luckily, there were no signs of the injury of that kind on X-rays.
Moreover, the doctors noted that they would not be able to determine if the recovery is complete and Daniels can return to playing based solely on pain. He will need to regain full motion range in his elbow, match the strength of his other arm, and be able to protect his elbow from further damage before being allowed to return to action.
What Does This Mean for the Commanders?
Washington is already off to a rocky start, and losing their franchise quarterback for any length of time is a serious blow. Marcus Mariota, who filled in for Daniels multiple times last season, will take over the starting job again. The bigger, longer-term question hanging over the team is whether this becomes a pattern — a second serious injury to the same joint in under a year naturally raises concerns about how durable that elbow will be going forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
What injury does Jayden Daniels currently have?
Daniels dislocated his left elbow during the Commanders’ Week 2 game against the Dallas Cowboys on 20 September 2026. X-rays showed no fracture.
Is this Jayden Daniels’ first elbow injury?
No. He dislocated the same left elbow in November 2025 against the Seattle Seahawks, an injury that eventually ended his season early.
When will Jayden Daniels return to the field?
There’s no official return date yet. Based on similar injuries, a return could realistically fall somewhere between three weeks and several months, depending on what further scans reveal.
Who is starting at quarterback for the Commanders while Daniels is out?
Marcus Mariota, Washington’s backup quarterback, is expected to start in Daniels’ absence, just as he did for several games last season.
Does Jayden Daniels need surgery?
There’s no confirmation of surgery being required as of now. Last season’s similar injury did not require surgery, and X-rays this time have also come back clear of fractures.
