Jayden Daniels Draws Concern from Doctors Ahead of Return from Injury, New NFL Rumors Reveal

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels will play Sunday's game against the New York Giants, but there is reportedly concern from the medical community that he will likely re-injure his left elbow.

"There are doctors around the NFL who believe it's a matter of when, not if, Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels hurts his left elbow again," ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Sunday.

Schefter noted that Daniels received an "overwhelming opinion was that playing with a brace was a viable option" when visiting with specialists.

However, "there are doctors around the league who, despite not having examined Daniels, maintain that a player who dislocates his elbow twice—as Daniels has over the past 11 months—is at a higher risk suffering another dislocation."

Daniels suffered a dislocated elbow during Washington's 37-20 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Sept. 20.

On Monday, Commanders head coach Dan Quinn told reporters that the team expected Daniels to return in Week 5.

He was listed as a limited participant in Washington's three days of practice leading up to a Week 4 clash with the Indianapolis Colts, but was ultimately ruled out of the contest.

Daniels earned a Pro Bowl nod to go along with Offensive Rookie of the Year honors during his 2024 campaign, helping lead the Commanders to the NFC Championship Game.

He was limited to just seven contests in 2025 due to an elbow dislocation as Washington posted a 5-12 record, though.

In Daniels' first two games this year, he completed 56.9 percent of his passes for 260 yards and three touchdowns without tossing an interception. He also rushed for 100 yards on just 12 attempts.

Rookie Athan Kaliakmanis will be his backup for Sunday's game because Marcus Mariota is out with a sprained MCL.

Washington currently owns a 1-3 record, sitting at No. 4 in the NFC East standings.