Full Breakdown
Jayden Daniels’ Elbow Injury and the Commanders’ Week 4 Decision in London
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Limited Practice and Starter Uncertainty
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels returned to the team’s practice field in Hertfordshire, England, on Wednesday after dislocating his left elbow in the Week 2 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. The session was a “jog-through” with footwork and passing drills while he wore a brace on his non-throwing arm. Head coach Dan Quinn said the team will assess Daniels’ “functionality and strength” through Thursday and Friday before deciding whether he will start Sunday’s matchup against the Indianapolis Colts at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Background & Context: Injury History
This is Daniels’ second dislocation of the same elbow within ten months. He first suffered the injury in Week 9 of the 2025 season, missed three games, returned briefly, and re-aggravated it in Week 14, ending that season. Medical exams found no fractures or major ligament damage, allowing the team to keep him off injured reserve and avoid immediate surgery.
Timeline
- Week 2 – Daniels dislocates left elbow vs. Dallas Cowboys.
- Wednesday – Participates in a 60-minute walk-through practice in England; listed as a limited participant on the injury report.
- Upcoming Friday – Final assessment to determine Sunday’s starter.
- October 11 – Commanders’ home game against the New York Giants; Daniels is expected to be available if cleared.
Data & Statistics
- In two games this season, Daniels is 56.9 % complete for 260 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions.
- He has rushed for 100 yards on 12 carries.
- Backup Marcus Mariota completed 19-of-31 passes for 183 yards and 3 touchdowns in the Week 3 win over Seattle.
Official Statements & Responses
Quinn emphasized that Daniels will continue to wear a brace for the remainder of the season and that medical guidance will drive the final decision.
General manager Adam Peters confirmed the organization is not placing Daniels on injured reserve and is not pursuing surgery this season, keeping him week-to-week.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Surgery Timing: Reuters reported Daniels “might need surgery” but will delay it until the offseason, while team officials say no surgery is planned now.
- Starter Outlook: Some outlets suggest Daniels could start on Sunday; others say the decision will wait for Friday’s practice results.
- Recovery Timeline: Reports vary on whether Daniels could return within three weeks; the exact clearance date remains unspecified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We won't put him out there before he's ready,” — Dan Quinn
- “Today will be more of a jog format, but if it had been a full practice it would have been limited,” — Dan Quinn
What’s Next
The Commanders will travel to London on Tuesday and hold practice sessions through Friday. A final determination on Daniels’ availability is expected by Friday, after which the team will announce the starter for the Sunday game. Regardless of the outcome, Daniels is slated to wear his elbow brace for the rest of the season, and any required surgical repair will be addressed in the offseason. The next scheduled regular-season contest is the October 11 home game against the New York Giants, where Daniels could be fully cleared to play.