Sunday was a difficult day for the Washington Commanders. After a tough defensive start, quarterback Jayden Daniels took over, leading the Commanders on two scoring drives and attempting to tie the Dallas Cowboys before halftime. Unfortunately, left guard Chris Paul accidentally stepped on Daniels’ foot, causing him to trip and fall to the ground as a Dallas defender tackled him. In the process, Daniels tried to break his fall with his left hand and dislocated his left (non-throwing) elbow.
It’s the same elbow that Daniels dislocated last November. X-rays were negative, but Daniels will undergo further testing and speak with multiple specialists before the Commanders can offer a potential timeline for his return. Head coach Dan Quinn ruled Daniels out
for Sunday’s Week 3home opener against the Seattle Seahawks. Marcus Mariota returns to the starting lineup.
“He had imaging done today,” Quinn said on Monday. "He’ll see specialists early this week, Tuesday and Wednesday. And then, we’ll go through the process from there. I know you’ll have some questions regarding timelines, but until we go through that process, I’d be guessing to give you any.”
Daniels wasn’t Washington’s only injury on Sunday. Quinn revealed a surprise on Monday. Safety Nick Cross, who played every snap, stayed overnight in a Dallas hospital with an internal injury. He returned to Virginia on Monday.
“Nick Cross was evaluated postgame with an internal injury,” Quinn said. “He stayed overnight in Dallas and was discharged today and is flying back this afternoon. I didn’t get to hit you to that [last night], but I won’t get into specifics. I was glad he was discharged and on the way back here.”Cross has been one of Washington’s best defensive players through two games this season.
During Sunday’s game, left tackle Brandon Coleman, right guard Sam Cosmi and defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw all left with injuries and did not return.
What’s the latest on these three starters?
“I’ll hit all three of them,” Quinn said. “Coleman had a finger injury, which they were able to work on last night, and all signs look to him being good to go as we head into practice for the week. Kinlaw will be limited during the practice week with his shoulder. He’s gonna get some imaging done on that, but I anticipate him being limited the first part of the week. And our third one was Cosmi. And he’ll begin the process of the concussion protocol. So, he’s into that space and just see how many steps that he can hit. I think I’ll have a better update for you guys a little bit on Wednesday on some of the guys, but I’m certainly knowing that Brandon, with the finger, is certainly pointing in the right direction on that.”
The Commanders will already be without Daniels against the Seahawks. Cosmi is their best offensive lineman with Laremy Tunsil gone for most of the year. If Cosmi can’t play on Sunday, the Commanders could turn to rookie Matt Gulbin at right guard, recently signed veteran Lucas Patrick, or insert top backup tackle Andrew Wylie into the starting lineup at right guard.
It will be a big week for Washington on the injury front.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders provide injury updates on multiple starters
