Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels is not currently expected to need surgery or a move to injured reserve as he works through a dislocated left elbow, general manager Adam Peters said Friday.
Daniels was injured late in the first half of Washington’s loss to the Dallas Cowboys last Sunday. A lineman stepped on him during the play, and Daniels attempted to break his fall with his non-throwing arm. His elbow bent awkwardly, and he was later diagnosed with a dislocation.
The second-year quarterback spent the week meeting with specialists to determine the severity of the injury and the likely length of his absence. Peters said the club has not yet established a return date, but indicated the Commanders are focused on getting Daniels back rather than planning for a long-term shutdown.
“At this point, surgery isn’t being considered, and we have not talked about IR,” Peters said. “We’re still working through the process of getting him back on the field, and the timetable remains undecided.”
Commanders injury status
- Jayden Daniels, quarterback — Diagnosed with a dislocated non-throwing elbow; surgery is not presently planned. Washington has not discussed placing him on injured reserve, though no return timetable has been set.
- Marcus Mariota, quarterback — Expected to start Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks if Daniels is unavailable.
A decision against injured reserve would be significant because an IR designation would require Daniels to miss at least four games. Washington’s current approach leaves open the possibility that he could return within the next several weeks.
Daniels dealt with injuries to the same elbow last season, when health issues disrupted and ultimately ended his year. The Commanders will continue to evaluate him before determining when he can resume football activity.
Week ahead
Washington is preparing to face Seattle on Sunday with Mariota in line to take the first-team quarterback duties. After the Seahawks game, the Commanders will travel to London for a Week 4 matchup with the Indianapolis Colts.
The club then returns home to play the New York Giants in Week 5 before heading to San Francisco for a prime-time Week 6 meeting with the 49ers. Washington’s bye follows that game.
