Jayden Daniels Injury: Commanders Await Monday Update
Sent the Washington Commanders into concern after the quarterback dislocated his left elbow in a 37-20 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Coach Dan Quinn said X-rays…
ARLINGTON, Texas — Jayden Daniels injury left the Washington Commanders waiting for more tests Sunday after the quarterback dislocated his left elbow in a 37-20 loss to the Dallas Cowboys.
Head coach Dan Quinn said X-rays showed no fracture, and Daniels is scheduled for more imaging Monday. The update matters because Daniels was injured on the final play of the first half, leaving Washington without its starting quarterback at a critical point in the game.
How the injury happened
ESPN reported that Daniels’ feet appeared to get stepped on by left guard Chris Paul as he took the snap on a third-and-goal from the 1-yard line. Daniels started to fall and tried to brace himself with his left hand, and his elbow bent back.
He was then looked at by medical personnel and surrounded by teammates and coaches on the field. Backup quarterback Marcus Mariota was the first player to go over to him, while center Nick Allegretti waved for trainers to come onto the field.
As Daniels was carted off, he sat up with a towel over his head. The scene landed hard in a locker room that had to regroup quickly after the injury.
Quinn expects more clarity Monday
Quinn said he anticipates Daniels returning this season. “I haven't had any reason to think otherwise,” he said, according to ESPN.
Yahoo Sports reported Quinn also said Sunday evening, “X-ray showed no fracture. More imaging tomorrow.” He added, “Man, we're bummed for him. I thought he was, like, really playing his (expletive) off. … I was just disheartened for him. Like, I know what he's gone through.”
The Commanders have not yet said how long Daniels could be out, and Monday’s imaging is expected to shape the next part of that answer. For Washington, the timing stings. Daniels had been leading the offense before the injury stopped the drive and sent the team into the halftime break without him.
What it means for Washington
The injury hits at a sensitive moment for the Commanders because Daniels had already dealt with physical setbacks during his short NFL career. Yahoo Sports noted that the left elbow is the same one that cost him most of his second professional campaign.
Daniels entered the league as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. His background at Arizona State and LSU had already drawn attention for his mobility, and Michael Robinson of NFL Network said Sunday night that some of the concern around him has always been tied to his slim frame and the way he takes off as a runner.
“I think some of it is bad luck,” Robinson said. “But we know Jayden Daniels, he's a slimmer-bodied individual, alright? He's also a quarterback that will take off. He's also a quarterback that he's an ultimate competitor,” he said.
Robinson also said, “If I'm Jayden, I would really look at in the offseason putting on a just a little bit of weight. This is still tackle football, this is still a physical” game.
Washington now waits on Monday’s imaging to learn whether Daniels can return sooner rather than later. For now, the clearest detail is simple: the X-rays showed no fracture, and the Commanders still expect more answers in the next 24 hours.
Source: nbcsports.com
