When Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels went down at the end of the first half in the Week 2 game against the Dallas Cowboys, panic set in. The Commanders, one play away from tying the game, still lost, but it seemed like they lost much more. Daniels dislocated his left (non-throwing) elbow — the same elbow he dislocated last November.
For the first week, Washington fans felt like it was another lost season. Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner, who suffered the same injury 19 years ago, weighed in, noting that he played through the injury. While some took it as Warner questioning Daniels’ toughness, he wasn’t. He was trying to calm Commanders fans’ nerves.
Fortunately, Washington received good news. Not only would Daniels not need
surgery, but he would also avoid a stint on injured reserve. Head coach Dan Quinn called Daniels’ status week-to-week.’
Daniels missed last week’s game against the Seattle Seahawks. His status for Sunday’s Week 4 game against the Indianapolis Colts in London remains unclear. He did travel with the team to London and has practiced this week.
What’s the latest on Daniels? Follow along as we track Daniels’ status as he looks to return to Washington’s starting lineup.
The injury
Here’s when Daniels was injured in the Week 2 loss at Dallas. Before the injury, he looked like vintage Daniels.
Looks likely that it's a significant arm injury for Jayden Daniels.
— Arye Pulli (@AryePulliNFL) September 20, 2026
Tom Brady: "Oh, shit." pic.twitter.com/xlaVTy7ESd
The brace
When news broke that Daniels would return sooner rather than later, he’d be doing so with a brace. Here’s Daniels at practice on Wednesday with a brace on his left arm.
Jayden Daniels and the brace in London. pic.twitter.com/pavrpt32hv
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) September 30, 2026
Does brace limit Daniels?
Daniels was asked if the brace will force him to change how he hands off, how he throws, etc. He said "nope" five times in response to the questions.
¯\_(ツ)_/¯ pic.twitter.com/YId4W1sJPG
— Mitchell Tischler (@Mitch_Tischler) October 1, 2026
Daniels compares this year’s injury to last year’s
One thing Daniels did note here is that the brace he will wear this year is different than last year's. He will not be able to fully extend his left arm.
Jayden Daniels short and sweet comparing last years injury to this year pic.twitter.com/sw7acuv4fG
— Mitchell Tischler (@Mitch_Tischler) October 1, 2026
Jayden Daniels in practice on Thursday
Daniels certainly looks like his normal self here. He was listed as limited on Thursday's injury report.
Jayden Daniels in motion pic.twitter.com/ylOyRtZaNf
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWC) October 1, 2026
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Latest on Commanders QB Jayden Daniels' elbow injury
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