Jayden Daniels Avoids Surgery, Placed on Week-to-Week Status for Commanders
General Manager Adam Peters announced Friday that the Commanders' quarterback, Jayden Daniels, dislocated his elbow but will not require surgery and is not expected to be placed on injured reserve.
The Washington Commanders have received positive injury news regarding quarterback Jayden Daniels, with general manager Adam Peters stating Friday that Daniels' dislocated elbow will not necessitate surgery and he is not slated for injured reserve. Peters indicated that Daniels is considered week-to-week with the injury.
Daniels sustained the injury during the Commanders' 37-20 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, September 20, 2026. The team's medical staff evaluated his condition, consulting with specialists nationwide.
This marks the second consecutive season Daniels has faced an elbow injury. Last year, after suffering a similar ailment in Week 9, he missed just over a month and sat out three games, including a bye week.
With Daniels sidelined, veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota is expected to start for Washington. Mariota took over in the second half against the Cowboys, completing 11 of 16 passes for 111 yards and one touchdown. The Commanders face the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, followed by matchups against the Colts, the New York Giants, and the San Francisco 49ers before their Week 7 bye. The team's decision not to place Daniels on injured reserve suggests an expectation for his return by the Week 6 road game against the 49ers.
Daniels, a former LSU standout, led the Commanders to the NFC Championship game in his rookie season, but has since been hampered by injuries. Last season, he played in 11 games, with Mariota filling in during his absences.