Jayden Daniels’ Elbow Injury Halts Commanders’ Week 2 Against the Cowboys

On the final play of the first half of the September 20, 2026 matchup at AT&T Stadium, Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels was stepped on by left guard Chris Paul while attempting a third-and-goal from the 1-yard line. Daniels braced with his left (non-throwing) arm, bending the elbow backward, and was carted off with an air cast. The Commanders ruled him out for the remainder of the game.

Commanders QB Jayden Daniels suffers elbow injury against Cowboys

Daniels entered the 2026 season after a 2025 campaign that saw a left-elbow dislocation on November 2, 2025, a brief return, and a season-ending re-injury on December 15, 2025. He was the 2024 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and a Pro Bowl selection, but his sophomore year was limited by a knee sprain, hamstring strain, and the elbow issues.

Heavy

• Passing: 11-of-17, 96 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT (Week 2).

Bleacher Report

• Rushing: 7 carries, 69 yards.

NBC Sports

• Season-to-date before exit: 96 passing yards, 69 rushing yards.

Associated Press

• Previous elbow injuries: Dislocation in Week 9 2025 (4-game absence) and re-injury in Week 14 2025 (season-ending).

Heavy

• The Commanders announced Daniels was ruled out for the rest of the game and will undergo X-rays.

Heavy

• David Chao, sports doctor, called it a “redislocation of his left elbow,” expecting negative X-rays but noting missed time.

Heavy

• Dan Quinn, head coach, said keeping Daniels in the play to go for a touchdown instead of a field goal placed the quarterback in a vulnerable situation.

Jayden Daniels carted off field in Dallas after apparent elbow injury against Cowboys

• “Commanders now have ruled out QB Jayden Daniels with a left elbow injury,” — Adam Schefter, ESPN.

Heavy

• “Ruled OUT now. Scary looking injury. Re-injury is never good,” — David Chao.

Heavy

The injury removed Washington’s starter while the Commanders trailed 17-10 at halftime. Backup Marcus Mariota finished the game with 11-of-16, 111 yards and a touchdown, but Washington lost 37-20. Daniels’ elbow issues raise concerns about his durability and the team’s offensive identity, which relies on his dual-threat ability.

NBC News

With the team now 0-2, the next test is on September 27, 2026 when Washington hosts the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks. Recovery timing and the possibility of surgical stabilization will be key factors.

Heavy

• Nov 2, 2025 – First left-elbow dislocation vs. Seahawks.

Heavy

• Dec 15, 2025 – Commanders shut down Daniels for final three games.

Heavy

• Sept 20, 2026 – Re-dislocation during Week 2 vs. Cowboys; ruled out.

Heavy

• Sept 27, 2026 (scheduled) – Commanders vs. Seahawks; Daniels’ status pending.

Heavy

• No definitive medical assessment has been released regarding the need for surgery, leaving the exact recovery window uncertain.

CBS Sports

The repeated elbow trauma and the decision to attempt a late-half touchdown have thrust the Commanders’ quarterback situation into early-season focus.

The Sporting News