According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Daniels’ MRI and medical evaluations revealed no ligament damage, and he will not require surgery. The team does not plan to immediately place him on injured reserve.
Positive update for Washington
Sources: #Commanders QB Jayden Daniels’ MRI and medical opinions revealed positive news, as his dislocated left elbow is not as serious as originally anticipated. There was no ligament damage & he won't need surgery.
Head coach Dan Quinn confirmed Friday that the results were encouraging for a possible return later this season.
“It’s a good deal with no surgery,” Quinn told reporters via ESPN’s John Keim. “Obviously that makes a big difference.”
The Commanders plan to re-evaluate Daniels during their bye week, the Week 11 matchup against the Miami Dolphins in Madrid, per ESPN. For now, Marcus Mariota will start Sunday when Washington (3-6) hosts the Detroit Lions (5-3).
Had Daniels been placed on injured reserve, league rules would have required him to miss at least four games. Initial X-rays after the injury showed no fracture, and further imaging this week confirmed no structural damage.
More injuries piling up
LANDOVER, MARYLAND – OCTOBER 13: Terry McLaurin #17 of the Washington Commanders looks on before the game against the Chicago Bears at Northwest Stadium on October 13, 2025 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Daniels isn’t the only key offensive piece missing. Three of Washington’s top five receivers from the start of the season are sidelined — Terry McLaurin (quad), Noah Brown (groin, IR), and Luke McCaffrey (fractured collarbone, IR).
The second-year quarterback had already missed three games earlier this season because of a sprained left knee and a right hamstring injury. Through limited action, he has thrown for 1,184 yards, eight touchdowns, and two interceptions, while rushing for 262 yards and two scores.
Washington enters Week 10 on a four-game losing streak, searching for answers on offense as injuries continue to mount.
What’s next for Daniels
Quinn declined to speculate on the quarterback’s long-term availability, saying earlier in the week the team hasn’t discussed a potential return timeline.
According to NFL.com’s Kevin Patra and NBC Sports’ ProFootballTalk, the Commanders will continue to monitor Daniels’ progress and reassess following their international trip to Spain. Avoiding surgery and injured reserve keeps open a path for a late-season return if recovery goes smoothly.
Washington faces Detroit on Sunday at Northwest Stadium before traveling overseas to face Miami in Madrid on Nov. 16 — the franchise’s first regular-season game played internationally.
Conor Forrest is the Editor-in-Chief and Senior Commanders Insider for SportsJourney.com. As a graduate of George Mason University, Forrest has spent the last eight years sharing his love for sports with listeners and viewers in the DC area and around the world. He hosts the “After Further Review Podcast” and has held numerous on-air and writing roles covering the DC area sports, Division 1 Basketball, and the NFL. His work has been featured on outlets like NBC Sports Washington, Fansided.com, Heavy.com and The Fourth Estate.
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