2026 09 20T220555Z 421379457 MT1USATODAY29876312 RTRMADP 3 NFL WASHINGTON COMMANDERS AT DALLAS COWBOYS
Jayden Daniels Fracture Update Gives Commanders Relief Ahead of Week 3 1
Jayden Daniels opened 2026 with a chance to move past an injury-filled 2025. The Washington Commanders quarterback showed flashes in Week 1, throwing two touchdowns in a 24-22 road loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. A week later, Sunday’s trip to Dallas became a different kind of test. Washington now waits on medical news that could shape the next several weeks of its season.
Jayden Daniels Avoids Fracture After Elbow Dislocation
Good news arrived Sunday night for Washington. NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that X-rays on Jayden Daniels’ left elbow showed no fracture. The update came after a 37-20 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, when head coach Dan Quinn spoke to reporters.
The injury came on the final play of the first half. Daniels took an under-center snap on third-and-goal from the 1-yard line, and left guard Chris Paul appeared to step on his feet. Daniels tried to brace his fall with his left arm, and the elbow bent back. Trainers reached him quickly, and he was carted off with an air cast on the arm.
Sep 20, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) lies on the field with an apparent injury to his left arm during the second half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn ImagesSep 20, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) lies on the field with an apparent injury to his left arm during the second half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Sep 20, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) lies on the field with an apparent injury to his left arm during the second half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
“He did injure his left elbow, it was a dislocation,” Quinn said afterward.
Daniels will travel home with the team for more imaging Monday. Quinn also said he expects the quarterback to return this season.
Before the injury, Daniels had completed 11 of 17 passes for 96 yards and a touchdown. He also ran seven times for 69 yards. Marcus Mariota took over at quarterback for the second half.
The bigger question is how this scare compares with the elbow injury that derailed his 2025 season.
Daniels now revisits an injury that cost him last season
Daniels dislocated the same left elbow on Nov. 2, 2025, in a Week 9 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. An MRI found no fracture or ligament damage, so he avoided surgery and stayed off injured reserve.
He missed several games, returned in Week 14 against the Minnesota Vikings, and aggravated the elbow again. Washington then shut him down for the final three weeks to protect his recovery. He finished 2025 with only seven games played.
Sep 20, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) throws a pass against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn ImagesSep 20, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) throws a pass against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Sep 20, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) throws a pass against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Expectations were high heading into this season, and an ESPN expert pointed to the hype around Daniels.
The moment hit teammates hard. Running back Rachaad White, a longtime friend of Daniels, was emotional.
“I tried to control my emotions, but I had tears coming down,” White told reporters.
Now, Washington sits at 0-2 and expects Marcus Mariota to lead the offense while Daniels recovers. The Commanders host the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 27. Seattle opened 2026 with a win over New England, so the test looks steep.