Washington Commanders Face Major Setback as QB Jayden Daniels Suffers Elbow Injury

The Washington Commanders’ quarterback, Jayden Daniels, was injured during Sunday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys. He was carted off the field at halftime following an apparent left elbow injury.

Daniels appeared to hyperextend his elbow on the final play of the first half. The incident occurred when he attempted to steady himself with his left arm after tripping as he moved away from the center position.

The nature of the injury is concerning given Daniels’ history. He suffered a similar injury in 2025 against the Seattle Seahawks. This new injury raises fears of it being potentially season-defining.

OutKick’s medical expert, Dr. David Chao, reviewed footage of the injury and reported a clear left elbow dislocation. “The joint comes out easier the second time as the original ligament tear heals looser,” he noted.

Despite the injury affecting his elbow, Daniels was carted off to the locker room, covering his head with a towel to hide his facial expressions. Marcus Mariota replaced him as quarterback for the remainder of the game.

This injury puts the Washington Commanders’ season in jeopardy early on, already in the second week. If Daniels steps into a similar rehabilitation process as last season, it could greatly impact the Commanders.

Last year, Daniels’ elbow dislocation occurred in Week 9 against Seattle on November 2, 2025. Though he avoided surgery, his recovery was prioritized for the 2026 season after aggravating the elbow later. Now, this setback might delay his return.