Jayden Daniels Cleared to Return, But NFL Doctors Voice Concerns Over Recurrent Elbow Injury
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels is set to return after a Week 2 elbow dislocation, but many league doctors express apprehension about his long-term durability.
Jayden Daniels is slated to return as the Washington Commanders quarterback for their Week 5 matchup against the New York Giants. This return comes after Daniels dislocated his elbow in Week 2 against the Dallas Cowboys.
Despite being cleared to play, a report from ESPN indicates a division among NFL doctors regarding the long-term prognosis for Daniels' elbow. Many league physicians reportedly believe a recurrence of the injury is highly probable.
This marks the second time Daniels has suffered a dislocation to his non-throwing elbow within the past 11 months. He is expected to wear a brace on his left elbow for the remainder of the season as a protective measure.
Daniels consulted with specialists in New York and Los Angeles, who determined that a comeback was a viable option. However, ESPN's report suggests that a significant number of doctors observing the situation from outside the Commanders' immediate medical staff feel Daniels faces an elevated risk of another dislocation.
Daniels himself expressed confidence in his readiness, stating he "felt good" during practice and that the brace would not impede his performance. "I'm going to embrace the brace, not worry about it too much," Daniels said. "It's my non-throwing arm, so, I think as long as I got the right one to attack, I'll be all right."
Offensive coordinator David Blough echoed this sentiment, telling reporters that Daniels is "full go" and that the team is eager to have him back. Blough highlighted Daniels' ability to command the offense at the line of scrimmage, his play-making skills on crucial downs, his accuracy, and his ball security as key attributes he brings.
The Commanders have struggled in Daniels' absence, losing to the Indianapolis Colts last week. Their backup quarterback, Marcus Mariota, also sustained a sprained right medial collateral ligament, leaving seventh-round rookie Athan Kaliakmanis to play the majority of that game. Kaliakmanis will serve as the backup to Daniels against the Giants. The Commanders currently hold a 1-3 record entering the NFC East rivalry game against the 3-1 Giants.