Jayden Daniels Injury Update, New Timeline Revealed by Commanders GM After Elbow Dislocation

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels is going to avoid a stint injured reserve as he recovers from a dislocated elbow suffered in a Week 2 loss to the Dallas Cowboys.

Commanders general manager Adam Peters told reporters on Friday that Daniels doesn't need surgery "as of right now" and there have been no discussions about putting him on IR.

An IR stint would keep Daniels out for a minimum of four games, so the Commanders appear hopeful he can return sooner than later.

Daniels, 25, has been beset by injuries during his NFL career, having missed 10 games with elbow, knee and hamstring injuries in 2025.

When healthy, he's emerged as one of the most dynamic playmakers in football, throwing for 5,090 yards, 36 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 26 career games while adding 1,269 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground. The Commanders are 14-12 in his starts.

Marcus Mariota will get the start on Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks and will be under center for the foreseeable future until Daniels is ready to return.

"When you ask anybody on our team who some of our greatest leaders are, whether it's on or off the field, Marcus is somebody that constantly comes up," head coach Dan Quinn told reporters after Daniels suffered dislocated his elbow on Sept. 20.

"Marcus is a complete pro and has been that way since he's been here," veteran wideout Terry McLaurin added. "He's one of the leaders we look to. In the time he and I have been together, we've had success. We're going to rally around him."

But the Commanders are simply a different team with Daniels under center. Any chance they have of truly contending starts and ends with No. 5.

Mariota fared well taking over for Daniels against the Cowboys. He finished 11-of-16 for 111 yards and one touchdown in a 37-20 loss.

Washington's next four games are against the Seahawks, Indianapolis Colts, New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers before a Week 7 bye.