What Is Jayden Daniels' Timeline for Return from Elbow Injury amid Latest NFL Rumors?

Washington Commanders star quarterback Jayden Daniels' 2025 season may not be over yet after after an MRI on his dislocated left elbow reportedly yielded positive results.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Friday that the injury is not as serious as originally thought, as there is no ligament damage and he will not require surgery.

As a result, the Commanders will not immediately place Daniels on injured reserve, which opens the door for him to potentially return at some point within the next month.

Daniels suffered a dislocated left elbow in the fourth quarter of Washington's 38-14 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 9. His arm was put in an air cast before he was taken off the field. Commanders head coach Dan Quinn, who admitted that he kept Daniels in the game too long, said the signal-caller was seeking "additional opinions" before deciding on a course of action in his recovery from the injury.

Rapoport reported that Daniels was expected to miss "several games," but noted that his dislocated elbow was "not as bad as it could've been."

The 2025 season hasn't been very kind to Daniels, who is the reigning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. Before going down with the elbow injury, he had missed three games due to hamstring and knee injuries.

Through six starts, Daniels threw for 1,184 yards, eight touchdowns and two interceptions while completing 62.5 percent of his passes. He also added 262 rushing yards and two more scores. The Commanders have struggled, whether he's been in the lineup or not, starting the year with a 3-6 record.

Washington is certainly hoping that Daniels won't face long-term issues from his latest injury. Until he's able to return, veteran backup Marcus Mariota will be tasked with leading the offense, including Sunday against the Detroit Lions.