NFL Doctors Express Concerns Over Jayden Daniels' Elbow Injury Risk

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels is set to return to the lineup against the New York Giants, but concerns linger among NFL doctors regarding the potential for reinjury to his left elbow. Sources cited by ESPN report that some league medical professionals view it as a matter of "when, not if" Daniels will suffer another dislocation.

Daniels, 25, missed the Commanders' previous two games after dislocating his left elbow for the second time in less than a year during a Week 2 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Following consultations with specialists in Los Angeles and New York, he received clearance to play again, provided he wears a protective brace.

However, the ESPN report indicates that even without having personally examined Daniels, doctors around the league are emphasizing that a player who has experienced two elbow dislocations within an 11-month span faces a heightened risk of recurrence.

Daniels practiced fully throughout the week and was deemed "a full go" by offensive coordinator David Blough. He is expected to be backed up by rookie Athan Kaliakmanis, as veteran Marcus Mariota is sidelined with a knee injury.

"I’m going to embrace the brace," Daniels stated earlier in the week. "Just trying to get used to it, it’s kind of part of me now. For the time being, as long as I’m on that field. Just getting used to it, trying to find the different ways where it’s most comfortable and I’m not really just thinking about it, I’m out there playing."

Blough also indicated that the team's game plan would not be altered by Daniels' injury and that he can execute snaps and handoffs without issue while wearing the brace. In addition to Daniels, wide receiver Stefon Diggs has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury, while Terry McLaurin is listed as questionable with a similar ailment.