Jayden Daniels Avoids Surgery, Will Not Go on Injured Reserve After Second Elbow Dislocation

Commanders Quarterback Focuses on Rehab After Second Dislocation

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels will not undergo surgery on his dislocated left elbow and, for now, will not be placed on injured reserve, general manager Adam Peters said Friday. Daniels spent the past three days visiting specialists who examined his elbow after he suffered his second dislocation of the joint. Throughout the evaluation process, a source close to the situation said surgery was viewed as a last option.

Peters confirmed that prognosis during his weekly paid radio appearance on 106.7 The Fan in Washington, D.C. If the current plan remains unchanged, Daniels could return within four weeks. A stint on injured reserve would require him to miss at least four games.

Washington’s next three games are against the Seattle Seahawks, Indianapolis Colts and New York Giants, meaning Daniels could potentially return shortly after that stretch if his rehabilitation progresses as hoped.

Because this was Daniels’ second dislocation of his left, nonthrowing elbow, surgery was a possibility. A procedure could have involved either a repair or a reconstruction, with both options potentially ending his season, according to medical experts.

Instead, Daniels will concentrate on rehabilitation and strengthening the elbow while wearing a brace. Doctors have cautioned him that there is no guarantee the elbow will not dislocate again, according to a source, but they have been encouraged by the condition of the joint even after the second occurrence.

Daniels Injured Against Dallas

Daniels suffered the injury on the final play of the first half during Washington’s 37-20 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday. The injury occurred on a third-and-goal play from the 1-yard line with three seconds remaining in the half. Daniels took the snap from under center, but his left foot was stepped on by left guard Chris Paul. As Daniels fell backward, he tried to brace himself with his left hand, causing his left arm to buckle inward.

X-rays following the game revealed no fracture, and Daniels underwent an MRI on Monday. The injury was especially concerning because Daniels had dislocated the same elbow in Week 9 of last season against Seattle. He did not undergo surgery at that time because the injury was considered a “simple dislocation” without a bone fracture. Daniels later reaggravated the elbow in Week 14 when he fell on his left side after being pushed to the ground.

Medical Experts Explain the Risk

Dr. Marc Kowalsky, an orthopedic specialist in Connecticut who focuses on shoulder and elbow injuries, said surgery generally is not preferred following a first time elbow dislocation because the recurrence rate is relatively low. Kowalsky did not examine Daniels and was speaking generally about elbow dislocations.

Kowalsky said the likelihood of another dislocation increases without surgery, but if imaging shows that the elbow remains in good condition, treating the injury with a brace can be a reasonable approach.

The brace can help provide additional stability and reduce the risk of another dislocation, although it cannot eliminate that possibility. Kowalsky also warned that another dislocation could potentially cause damage to the bone. In Daniels’ case, X-rays following both dislocations have shown no bone fracture.

Marcus Mariota Takes Over at Quarterback

With Daniels sidelined, Marcus Mariota will start at quarterback Sunday against the Seahawks, who enter the matchup 2-0. Washington is 0-2 and has lost 12 of its past 14 games dating back to last season.

The Commanders will now rely on Mariota while Daniels begins his rehabilitation. How quickly Daniels can return will depend on his progress with strengthening the elbow and whether doctors believe he can safely play while wearing the brace.

Daniels’ Career Interrupted by Injuries

The latest injury adds to a frustrating two-season stretch for Daniels after a spectacular rookie campaign. Daniels won NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2024 after Washington selected him No. 2 overall out of LSU. He threw for 3,568 yards, 25 touchdowns and nine interceptions while rushing for 891 yards and six touchdowns. He also led the Commanders to the NFC Championship Game and did not miss a start during the regular season or postseason.

His second season was interrupted by injuries, however, as Daniels missed 10 games because of a sprained knee, a hamstring injury and the elbow issue. Despite those setbacks, Daniels entered 2026 looking to reestablish himself as the centerpiece of Washington’s offense.

Through six quarters this season, Daniels had completed a strong start, throwing for 260 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions while adding 100 rushing yards on 12 attempts. His dynamic ability was on full display against Dallas before the injury, as he threw for 96 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 69 yards in the first half.

Now, Washington will wait to see whether rehabilitation can stabilize Daniels’ elbow and allow him to return this season without surgery. For the Commanders, the immediate focus shifts to Mariota and Sunday’s matchup with Seattle, while Daniels begins the recovery process and hopes to avoid another dislocation that could ultimately force the surgery he has so far been able to avoid.