Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels suffered a dramatic dislocation of his left elbow during Sunday night’s loss to the Seattle Seahawks, an injury that produced alarming visuals and immediate concern over his availability. Team and medical updates since the game suggest the injury is serious but not necessarily season-ending.
Initial imaging reportedly showed no fracture, a development that significantly improves Daniels’ prognosis and reduces the likelihood of immediate surgery. Sports‑medicine specialists note that dislocations often involve ligament damage, and MRI results will determine whether the ulnar collateral ligament or other structures were torn and to what extent.
Washington Commanders, Jayden Daniels, NFL
Oct 19, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) celebrates after a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys during the first quarter of the game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
In the absence of a fracture, nonoperative management is commonly pursued for a non‑throwing arm, with immobilization and progressive rehabilitation aimed at restoring motion and stability. Some team physicians and analysts have compared Daniels’ situation to prior NFL cases in which quarterbacks avoided surgery and returned within weeks, while other players required longer recoveries when operative repair was necessary.
Because Daniels’ injured arm is his non‑throwing side, the rehabilitation timeline can be shorter; quarterbacks do not need to rebuild throwing mechanics, only to ensure the limb can withstand contact and that protective bracing is feasible for game action. Still, residual instability or complex ligament injury would push the plan toward surgical repair and a multi‑month recovery.
Sports Doctor David J. Chao Shares His Thoughts on Washington Commanders Star Jayden Daniels’ Injury
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Oct 19, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) fumbles the ball defended by Dallas Cowboys linebacker Shemar James (50) during the third quarter of the game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Although Daniels’ injury may look bad, it isn’t a big threat for the quarterback’s run this season. This can be seen in a video shared by David J. Chao on his official X account.
Jayden Daniels’ elbow dislocation injury was grotesque, but because it is not his throwing elbow, there will not be a Tommy John UCL surgery. This injury is not career-threatening, and depending on the associated injuries, there is a slim chance it may not be season-ending. pic.twitter.com/of8MxxW0hH
— David J. Chao – ProFootballDoc (@ProFootballDoc) November 3, 2025
Beyond the medical details lies a broader set of questions for the Commanders regarding risk management and player usage, as critics questioned the decision to keep Daniels in late in a blowout. Those debates will continue in tandem with follow‑up testing and the team’s internal assessments of Daniels’ readiness.
Washington Commanders, Jayden Daniels, NFL
Oct 19, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys during the second quarter of the game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
For now, the best available information points to a cautious optimism: an initial absence of fracture and the injured elbow being non‑throwing favor nonoperative treatment and a potential return within weeks. Final determinations, however, depend on definitive MRI findings and the player’s response to early rehabilitation.
Washington Commanders, Jayden Daniels, NFL
Nov 2, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA;Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) walks off the field after warmups prior to the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
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