Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels has faced a challenging second season marked by injuries. Most recently, he suffered a left elbow injury during “Sunday Night Football,” which has rendered him unavailable for the time being. In the wake of this setback, the Commanders have opted to start Marcus Mariota while maintaining hope for Daniels’ return before the season concludes.
Daniels did not land on injured reserve, which opens a window for his return once he has sufficiently recovered. Despite initial concerns that he might be sidelined for the remainder of the season, positive evaluations revealed that he did not require surgery due to the absence of ligament damage. This significant news raises optimism regarding his potential comeback.
The quarterback is set to miss the upcoming game against the Miami Dolphins and will have a bye week following that. This brief intermission presents an opportunity for Daniels to at least resume practice as the Commanders gear up for their final six games.
The injury occurred during the fourth quarter of a game against the Seattle Seahawks on November 2, when Daniels dislocated his elbow during a scramble. Medical personnel acted swiftly to stabilize his arm, allowing him to leave the field under their care. Sources indicated that further medical evaluations confirmed the injury was not as severe as initially feared.
The recovery timeline for dislocated elbows can often be shorter than expected, particularly when surgery is not required. With this in mind, Daniels could potentially return to action by December, aligning with Washington’s decision not to place him on injured reserve, which suggests that he may be back in the lineup within the next four games.
As the Commanders navigate this season, the return of Daniels could reinvigorate the team’s offensive strategies as they look to cap off the year strongly. Fans and analysts alike will be keeping a close eye on his recovery as December approaches.