Jayden Daniels Suffers Repeat Elbow Injury, Commanders' Season in Peril
Quarterback Jayden Daniels was carted off with a left elbow injury, mirroring a previous season-ending incident, raising concerns for the Washington Commanders' outlook.
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels sustained a significant left elbow injury during the first half of Sunday's game against the Dallas Cowboys. The injury occurred on the final play before halftime when Daniels appeared to hyperextend his elbow while trying to regain balance after tripping.
Daniels was carted off the field and replaced by backup quarterback Marcus Mariota. The incident is a stark repeat of a similar injury Daniels suffered in the 2025 season against the Seattle Seahawks, raising concerns about the potential for another season-defining setback for both the player and the team.
According to OutKick medical expert Dr. David Chao, who reviewed footage of the play, the injury appeared to be a clear left elbow dislocation. Chao noted on X that joints can dislocate more easily a second time if the original ligament tear heals loosely. Daniels' previous left elbow dislocation occurred in Week 9 of the 2025 season. While an MRI at the time revealed no fracture or ligament damage, leading him to avoid surgery, he later aggravated the elbow, missed games, and was shut down for the final three weeks of the season to prioritize his recovery for the current year.
If this new injury proves to be as severe as it initially appeared, it could place the Commanders' season on the brink early in the year, less than two weeks into the new season.