Daniels Faces Elbow Setback, but a Return Is Still Possible

The Washington Commanders had a rough turn in Week 2 of the NFL season. Just before halftime against the Dallas Cowboys, Jayden Daniels dropped after hurting his left elbow. Trainers rushed over, his arm was put in an air cast, and he left the field on a cart. The team ruled him out soon after. The scene looked scary, but the next details gave Washington some reason to stay hopeful.

Longtime sports doctor David J. Chao, known as Pro Football Doc, said the footage looked like a redislocation of Daniels’ left elbow. Chao, who served as an NFL head team doctor for more than 17 years, connected it to the same injury Daniels dealt with the year before. He said an elbow can heal after a dislocation, while the ligament may stay loose and damaged. He also said there was no surgery on that injury.

Chao did not think the problem would end Daniels’ season. He expected X-rays to come back negative, though he still believed Daniels would miss time. He said a return during the season could be possible with a brace. Because the elbow has now come out again, he added that the team might consider fixing the ligament. That could make the joint less likely to pop out easily. Recovery may be faster than the first time, but the problem could return.

With Daniels likely out for a while, veteran Marcus Mariota is expected to take over as the starter. Mariota brings plenty of experience to the role. He also handled a large share of the snaps last season when Daniels was sidelined by an injury. That background gives Washington a familiar option while it waits for clearer news about its quarterback.