NFL: Washington Commanders at Dallas Cowboys
Sep 20, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) reacts as he leaves the game with an apparent injury to his left arm during the second half against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Washington Commanders fans watched in horror as their starting quarterback was carted off the field following a dislocated elbow for the second time in as many seasons.
Jayden Daniels suffered the injury in a 37-20 loss to the Dallas Cowboys and was replaced by Marcus Mariota. In the immediate aftermath of the injury, head coach Dan Quinn didn’t have much information to give reporters.
“Once I know an update that we can move forward with then I’ll give you that,” Quinn said. “Man, are we bummed for him. He was really playing his [expletive] off. We will rally so hard around Marcus (Mariota) until Jayden’s back. That’s what we talked about as a team.”
MORE: Jayden Daniels suffers devastating arm injury, leaves game on cart
Marcus Mariota expected to start against Seattle
Dec 20, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) walks to the medical tent during the second half against the Philadelphia Eagles at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images
On Monday afternoon, NFL insider Ian Rapoport revealed Daniels underwent imaging today and will consult with a variety of experts over the next few days to determine his path back to the field. Fellow ESPN insider Adam Schefter revealed the team’s starting quarterback for Week 3 against the Seattle Seahawks.
“Commanders QB Marcus Mariota is expected to start Sunday vs. Seattle as Washington continues to gather more information about Jayden Daniels’ dislocated left elbow,” he said on social media.
Schefter further revealed Daniels’ timeline for a potential return mirrors that of his dislocated elbow from the 2025 season when he missed four weeks.
Despite suffering back-to-back losses to open the season, Daniels was off to a strong start. He threw for 260 yards with three touchdowns through the air and another 100 yards and a touchdown on the ground in just 1.5 games played.
In relief of Daniels on Sunday, Mariota completed 11-of-16 passing for 111 yards and a touchdown.