Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels suffered a dislocated elbow late in Sunday’s 38-14 blowout loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 9, adding another brutal blow to a roster already derailed by injuries.
The second-year QB, who led Washington to last year’s NFC Championship Game, left with his arm in a cast and did not return. Here’s what we know about Daniels’ injury and possible recovery timeline.
What Happened to Jayden Daniels?
The Commanders, who are 3-6 in the NFC East and well outside postseason contention, saw their season go from bad to worse on Sunday night in Seattle. With 7:39 remaining in the fourth quarter of a blowout loss to the Seahawks, quarterback Daniels was sacked and stayed down clutching his arm.
The injury occurred on a scramble attempt after Daniels kept the ball instead of handing off to Chris Rodriguez Jr. He tried to roll out to his right but was taken down by linebacker Drake Thomas, landing awkwardly and suffering a dislocated elbow on the play.
The medical staff quickly attended to him before leaving the field. Meanwhile, head coach Dan Quinn faced heavy criticism for his decision to keep Daniels in the game with Washington trailing by 31 points late in the fourth quarter.
Later, Daniels appeared to acknowledge the injury on his Instagram story Tuesday night, sharing a black-and-white photo of himself walking through the tunnel.
The story was accompanied by Future’s “Inspiration” song playing in the background, with the lyrics “Mama don’t give up on me I’m a rebel” as he faces yet another period of recovering from an injury.
When Will Daniels Return From Injury?
According to ESPN injury analyst Stephania Bell, recovery from a dislocated elbow typically requires six to eight weeks if treated conservatively, with a longer timetable if surgery is needed to repair damaged ligaments. The Commanders have not yet confirmed whether Daniels will require a procedure.
Though NBC Sports’ JP Finlay reported there were no fractures for Daniels. However, he could miss at least four weeks of action, with the quarterback’s injury status expected to be clearer by Thursday.
Fortunately for Washington, the injury is to Daniels’ non-throwing arm, which could slightly shorten the recovery window. Bell added that quarterbacks can sometimes return earlier with a protective brace. However, any stiffness or lingering instability could affect a player’s ability to absorb contact or protect themselves when scrambling.
Given Washington’s 3–6 record and fading playoff hopes, the team may opt for caution rather than rushing Daniels back. PFSN’s NFL Football Playoff Meter (FPM) gives the Commanders just a 5.5% chance to make the postseason, meaning the focus will likely be on long-term recovery rather than forcing a quick return to salvage anything left of the season.
Veteran Marcus Mariota came in as relief for Daniels against the Seahawks. He is expected to make his fourth start of the season next Sunday in the Week 10 matchup against the Detroit Lions.
The former No. 2 overall pick has completed 56 of 88 passes for 639 yards, four touchdowns, and four interceptions so far in this campaign. In Mariota’s three games as a starter, the Commanders are 1-2, but Washington will hope a few of their sidelined receivers could make a return in Week 10.