Doctors Have Scary Warning For Jayden Daniels — ‘Matter Of When, Not If’

Jayden Daniels prepares to return for the Washington Commanders on Sunday. The third-year quarterback practiced fully throughout the week ahead of the Week 5 game against the New York Giants. Washington lost its starter for two contests after he suffered a second left elbow dislocation in Week 2.

The injury occurred late in the first half against the Dallas Cowboys when his non-throwing arm buckled awkwardly on the final snap. He underwent further imaging and consulted specialists while the team evaluated options. The Commanders previously ruled out surgery and kept him off injured reserve after the latest setback.

Daniels visited experts in New York and Los Angeles. The overwhelming opinion supported playing with a brace as a viable path forward.

“He’s full go,” Commanders offensive coordinator David Blough said Thursday, according to ESPN.

Blough stressed there would be no limitations in the game plan. Daniels has indicated he can hand off and take snaps from center without issue while wearing the support. He will continue with the brace for the remainder of the season. Rookie Athan Kaliakmanis serves as the backup Sunday because Marcus Mariota remains out with a sprained MCL.

Some doctors around the NFL believe another dislocation remains a matter of when, not if, for the Commanders quarterback. Sources told ESPN that a player who has dislocated the same elbow twice within roughly 11 months faces elevated risk of a recurrence. Those assessments come even from physicians who have not personally examined Daniels.

The dual dislocations in consecutive seasons raised legitimate caution among some medical voices in the league. Daniels missed significant time last year after the initial left elbow injury against the Seattle Seahawks. He returned later in 2025 but dealt with further setbacks.

The latest episode in Week 2 against Dallas produced a similar graphic result. Cameras captured the moment as teammates and opponents reacted on the field. The return now places added responsibility on the offensive line and play-calling to protect the quarterback.

Daniels has shown mobility and arm strength in limited early-season action before the injury. The brace aims to stabilize the joint during contact plays. Still, the medical debate underscores the balance between getting a dynamic starter back on the field and managing long-term durability. The Commanders seek consistency in the NFC East, and this development adds both opportunity and uncertainty for Sunday.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!