The latest NFL injury update on Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels provides a much more encouraging outlook than initially expected. After suffering a dislocated left elbow in Washington’s Week 2 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, Daniels has avoided injured reserve and is now considered week-to-week, according to NFL Network insider Adam Schefter.
Daniels and the Commanders are reportedly focused on getting him back on the field as soon as possible, giving Washington reason to believe this injury will not end his season.
Daniels avoids injured reserve after consulting specialists
Daniels suffered the injury on the final play of the first half against Dallas when he stumbled and braced his fall with his left arm. Initial X-rays showed no fracture, but additional imaging and consultations with specialists were needed to determine the severity of the injury.
That process has now produced some positive news. Multiple specialists evaluated Daniels’ imaging, and the consensus is that the quarterback can be treated without immediately placing him on injured reserve. ESPN reported Friday that surgery is not currently being considered and that Daniels will not be placed on IR at this time.
Commanders general manager Adam Peters also confirmed that Daniels has received opinions from doctors around the country and that surgery is not currently on the table. The team had previously indicated that Daniels would miss at least Week 3 against the Seattle Seahawks, with Marcus Mariota taking over as the starter.
Commanders hoping for a quick return
The biggest development is that Daniels is now viewed as week-to-week rather than facing an extended absence with an immediate IR designation. That doesn’t guarantee a specific return date, but it gives Washington a much more favorable path than what appeared possible immediately after the injury.
The situation is particularly notable because Daniels suffered the same type of injury to the same elbow last season. That previous injury forced him to miss significant time, making the latest dislocation an especially concerning development when it initially occurred.
For now, Mariota will handle quarterback duties while Daniels focuses on his recovery. The Commanders are clearly leaving the door open for Daniels to return as soon as he is medically ready, rather than committing to a lengthy absence.
The latest update doesn’t mean Daniels will be back next week, but avoiding surgery and injured reserve represents a significant shift in the outlook for Washington’s franchise quarterback.
Subscribe FREE for the latest content on the DrRoto YouTube Channel
