Jayden Daniels Injury Details
The Jayden Daniels injury occurred late in the fourth quarter of the Commanders’ 38–14 loss. On a second-and-goal play, Daniels was sacked by Seattle linebacker Drake Thomas and landed awkwardly on his non-throwing left arm. He immediately clutched his elbow in visible pain before leaving the field.
Team trainers later confirmed a left elbow dislocation, and Daniels is scheduled to undergo an MRI scan to determine whether there’s ligament or tendon damage. Early reports suggest the injury could sideline him for multiple weeks — or longer if surgery is required.
Jayden Daniels Stats Before the Injury
Before exiting, Daniels had put together an efficient game despite Washington’s offensive struggles. The rookie completed 16 of 22 passes for 153 yards and one interception, while also rushing 10 times for 51 yards and a touchdown.
Daniels’ dual-threat ability has been a key part of the Commanders’ offense all season, though he has battled through previous injuries, including a hamstring strain and a left knee sprain earlier in the year.
Critics Question Late-Game Decision
NFL fans and analysts have questioned why Daniels remained in the game while Washington trailed by over 30 points. Former Commanders quarterback Robert Griffin III called the situation “avoidable,” suggesting the team should have protected its franchise rookie in garbage time.
Commanders Head Coach Responds
After the game, head coach Dan Quinn defended his decision while expressing support for his young quarterback.
“It’s gut-wrenching,” Quinn said. “Jayden’s one of the toughest players I’ve coached. We’ll make sure he gets the best care possible and take it one day at a time.”
Backup quarterback Marcus Mariota is expected to start if Daniels misses upcoming games.
What the Jayden Daniels Injury Means for the Commanders
With the loss, Washington drops to 3–6 and has now lost four straight games. The Jayden Daniels elbow injury comes at a crucial point in the season, threatening to derail any hopes of a playoff push.
If Daniels misses extended time, the Commanders will likely lean on Mariota and make adjustments to their offensive playbook to compensate for the loss of their mobile quarterback.
Jayden Daniels Recovery Timeline
The Commanders have not yet released an official timetable for Daniels’ recovery. If the MRI confirms no major ligament damage, recovery could take 4–6 weeks. However, a more severe dislocation or torn ligament could require season-ending surgery.
The good news: Daniels’ throwing arm remains unaffected, which could shorten his path back to the field. Still, elbow dislocations are complex injuries that can affect range of motion and overall arm strength.
Jayden Daniels Injury Update: What’s Next
Washington fans will be watching closely for updates early this week as more medical information becomes available. Expect an official Jayden Daniels injury report from the Commanders following the MRI results.
Until then, the team faces a difficult stretch without its standout rookie, whose athleticism and leadership had become the bright spot of a rebuilding season.