Sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter that some doctors around the NFL believe another dislocation could be a matter of when, not if, for Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels.
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.https://t.co/YBvfUQN5yT
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 11, 2026
Although those doctors have not personally examined the Commanders quarterback, they believe a player who has dislocated the same elbow twice faces an increased risk of suffering another injury.
Daniels has consulted specialists in New York and Los Angeles, and the overwhelming medical opinion reportedly supports using a brace as a viable option for continuing to play. The quarterback is expected
to wear the brace for the remainder of the season.
The 2024 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year missed Washington’s previous two games after suffering his second elbow dislocation in Week 2. However, he returned to full participation in practice throughout the week ahead of Sunday’s matchup against the Giants. In Sunday’s game, Daniels looked like his usual self, completing 17 of 25 passes for 199 yards while carrying the ball nine times for 103 yards and two touchdowns.
Unfortunately, the game ended in a 27-27 tie after an egregious Washington mistake at the end.
Commanders offensive coordinator David Blough said Thursday that Daniels would be a “full go,” emphasizing that Washington would not limit its game plan because of the injury. Daniels has also expressed confidence in his ability to perform the necessary quarterback duties while wearing the brace, including taking snaps from center and handing off the football.
Washington will need Daniels to lead its offense as the team looks to navigate the remainder of the season, but his return comes with understandable medical concerns. While the specialists he consulted reportedly believe playing with a brace is a viable option, the warnings from other NFL doctors highlight the potential risk of another dislocation.
The Commanders will also have to adjust their quarterback depth chart against New York. Rookie Athan Kaliakmanis is expected to serve as Daniels’ backup, with Marcus Mariota ruled out because of a sprained medial collateral ligament (MCL).
For Washington, the immediate focus is on getting its franchise quarterback back on the field. The larger question is whether the brace will provide sufficient protection to help Daniels finish the season without another setback.
The timing of Schefter's report was curious, as it came on the same day that Daniels returned to the lineup.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Adam Schefter says doctors warn Jayden Daniels could face another elbow dislocation
