Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) on the sideline before the game at Northwest Stadium
Doctors Warn Jayden Daniels' Elbow Risk Is a Matter of 'When, Not If' After Latest Medical Report 1
Jayden Daniels is starting for the Washington Commanders today against the New York Giants. It is his first game since dislocating his left elbow in Week 2 against the Dallas Cowboys. Daniels participated fully in practice all week, and offensive coordinator David Blough declared him a “full go.”
Washington avoided placing its quarterback on injured reserve, but ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported this morning that doctors around the NFL fear Daniels is highly likely to reinjure the elbow.
Doctors reportedly concerned over Jayden Daniels’ elbow
Daniels dislocated his left elbow for the second time in his career during a Week 2 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. The injury happened on the final play when guard Chris Paul stepped on his foot during a third-and-goal from the 1-yard line, forcing Daniels to land hard on his arm.
Jan 4, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Former LSU QB/Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) during warmups against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Jan 4, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) during warmups against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
After missing two games, he met with specialists in New York and Los Angeles who cleared him to play with a protective brace. However, Schefter wrote, “There are doctors around the NFL who believe it’s a matter of when, not if, Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels hurts his left elbow again, sources told ESPN.”
He first dislocated his left elbow in Week 9 last season against Seattle. He returned five weeks later against Minnesota but reinjured the joint and missed the rest of the year. According to Schefter’s source, outside medical experts warn that suffering two dislocations within 11 months leaves him at a much higher risk for another injury. But the quarterback is refusing to let the safety equipment bother him.
“I’m going to embrace the brace,” Daniels said earlier this week. “It’s kind of part of me now.”
The franchise signal-caller can still take snaps and hand off the ball, and offensive coordinator David Blough noted the team will not limit the playbook. Head coach Dan Quinn said the staff spent the week teaching the young quarterback to hit the ground safely without exposing his joints, saying, “Think of it like a running back who clasps the ball.”
With backup Marcus Mariota out with a sprained MCL, rookie Athan Kaliakmanis serves as the number two quarterback. However, Daniels has completed 29 of 51 passes for 260 yards and three touchdowns this year, while adding 100 rushing yards on 12 carries. The 1-3 Commanders hope to rebound with a win against the 3-1 Giants.
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