Commanders QB Jayden Daniels Nears Return After Three-Week Absence

Washington Commanders starting quarterback Jayden Daniels is on track to return to practice this week, with hopes of playing in Sunday's game against the New York Giants. Daniels, 25, has been sidelined for the past two weeks after suffering a dislocated left elbow during the Commanders' Week 2 loss to the Dallas Cowboys.

Daniels sustained the injury on September 20 when he fell attempting to brace himself after an offensive lineman stepped on his foot. As he went to the ground, his non-throwing elbow buckled upon impact. The incident drew a notable reaction from Fox analyst Tom Brady, who audibly cursed on air after viewing a replay of the injury.

This is not the first time Daniels has faced this particular injury. He suffered a similar dislocation last November, an injury that kept him out for a month and was later aggravated when he attempted to play again.

In Daniels' absence, backup quarterback Marcus Mariota has started the last two games. However, Mariota also sustained an injury, a sprained MCL in his right knee, during Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts. The timetable for Mariota's return is currently uncertain. He had previously missed time with the same injury, sustaining it in an August 14 preseason game against the Miami Dolphins before returning to practice on September 1.

With both primary quarterbacks injured, rookie seventh-round pick Athan Kaliakmanis stepped in against the Colts. He completed 15 of 33 passes for 183 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Prior to Mariota's injury, he had led the team to a 6-0 lead with two field goal drives.

Daniels had missed the Commanders' Week 3 win against the Seattle Seahawks and their Week 4 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. His potential return this week could provide a much-needed boost for the Commanders' offense.