The Washington Commanders will look to avoid a 0-3 start on Sunday when they host the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks in their home opener. Unfortunately for the Commanders, they’ll have to do so without starting quarterback Jayden Daniels.
In Sunday’s Week 2 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, Daniels dislocated his left (non-throwing) elbow when left guard Chris Paul stepped on his foot. As Daniels tried to break his fall, he extended his left arm to the ground for balance, and that’s when he got injured. It’s the same elbow that Daniels dislocated last November.
Daniels essentially has two options: season-ending surgery or wait for the injury to heal and return with a brace. The latter would likely keep him out for 4- 6 weeks. ESPN’s
Adam Schefter reported earlier this week that Daniels was leaning toward not having the surgery.
Head coach Dan Quinn said this week that Daniels was evaluating his options, which included meeting with multiple specialists. While everyone awaits Daniels’ decision, did wide receiver Terry McLaurin give us a hint about his upcoming decision on Thursday?
“I haven’t really thought of it as deja vu; I think it’s just unfortunate the space we find ourselves with the game and Jayden going down,” McLaurin said. "But it’s only Week 2, and we know Jayden will be back. So, we’re really just focused on this week.”
Terry McLaurin: “It’s only Week 2 and we know Jayden will be back.” pic.twitter.com/YRK3wz9Upy
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) September 24, 2026
Did McLaurin break some news, whether he meant to or not?
Everything about Daniels is speculation until the team makes an official announcement. We’ve heard numerous “experts” weigh in on Daniels’ injury on social media and local radio shows. Different orthopedic surgeons are offering different timelines.
What we do know is Daniels will not play on Sunday against Seattle. After that, who knows. It’s safe to assume he won’t be back for the Week 4 game against the Colts in London. After that? Stay tuned.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders' Terry McLaurin hints that Jayden Daniels will return this season
