Jayden Daniels injury update: Commanders coach Dan Quinn reveals latest - USA Today

One day later, the news for the Washington Commanders regarding the status of starting quarterback Jayden Daniels didn't have much more clarity.

Head coach Dan Quinn revealed Monday, Sept. 21, that Daniels' dislocated left (non-throwing) elbow underwent imaging a day after he was injured in the team's 37-20 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. It’s the same elbow that cost Daniels, who had perhaps the greatest rookie season in league history in 2024, most of his second professional campaign. Daniels will see more specialists on Tuesday and Wednesday, but Quinn doesn't expect to have a prognosis before Thursday at the earliest.

"For he and all his teammates, we're always going to make the best decision first," Quinn said regarding the team's approach a year after Daniels missed 10 games with various injuries, including the elbow, and probably tried to return too quickly.

"Let's take all the time we can, get it just right."

Quinn did say Daniels is in a good spot mentally. He also noted that the QB had added "armor" in the offseason in a bid to strengthen his slender frame while trying to lessen the risk of future injuries − particularly in light of Daniels' tendency to break from the pocket. However Sunday's setback was a result of trying to break a fall after one of his linemen stepped on his foot before halftime, leaving Daniels stumbling and exposed.

Regardless of further testing, veteran backup Marcus Mariota will start Sunday's home opener against the reigning Super Bowl champion (and currently undefeated) Seattle Seahawks, against whom Daniels originally hurt the elbow last November. Mariota went 2-6 while filling in for Daniels last season.

Despite Daniels' pending absence, Quinn was confident the team can overcome it's 0-2 start.

"Man are we pumped to get back home in front of the home crowd," he said.

Unfortunately for the Commanders, Daniels has been no stranger to injury in his short NFL career, that despite playing all 17 games and the playoffs as a rookie in 2024.