The Washington Commanders are dealing with the fallout from an MRI conducted on quarterback Jayden Daniels’ dislocated left elbow, which will be assessed by specialists to guide future decisions regarding his treatment, according to a reliable source.
This obviously means Daniels won’t be playing in the upcoming game against the Seattle Seahawks, and instead, Marcus Mariota will take the lead.
Interestingly, there’s some hope that the Seahawks might get their starting quarterback, Sam Darnold, back for this match, but that hinges on his performance in practice, so it’s still up in the air.
As for Daniels, he’s seeking several medical opinions to discuss the next steps. Coach Dan Quinn expressed that they conducted imaging on Daniels and that he would consult with specialists early this week, specifically on Tuesday and Wednesday, to outline a plan moving forward.
Quinn was cautious when asked about a timeline for Daniels’ return, stating, “Until we go through that process, I’d be guessing to give you any timeline.” It’s probably wise for him to say that, especially considering the specialists might recommend something significant like surgery, which would put Daniels out for the season. On the other hand, they could propose a rehabilitation approach similar to what he underwent last season, which thankfully avoided surgery.
Regardless, even a rehab plan is likely to keep Daniels sidelined for several weeks. Last year was tough for him, as he participated in just seven out of 17 games. He dislocated the same elbow previously and decided against surgery in an effort to keep playing.
Meanwhile, the Commanders are having their share of misfortunes, as their roster also faces challenges. There’s ongoing concern about whether they will replicate a past approach that led to similar problems without achieving better results.
Surgery is usually a last resort after an elbow dislocation. It’s generally advised only if the elbow remains misaligned after a non-invasive procedure called closed reduction, where doctors guide the bones back into place. Recommendations for surgery also arise when there’s significant damage—like tears to ligaments or other components—that could risk long-term functionality.
However, details about Daniels’ injury are still unclear, which makes it difficult to determine precisely what he’s facing. The Commanders may have to field at least one game, or potentially more, with Mariota and possibly another quarterback until Daniels is ready.
This situation is a significant setback, particularly since the Commanders’ offensive strategy largely depends on Daniels’ skills. His absence for the next few weeks—or perhaps longer—adds stress to an already struggling team, which has started the season 0-2. It leaves the coaching staff trying to regain control of a rapidly deteriorating situation.
