Washington Commanders’ Jayden Daniels Suffers Dislocated Elbow

The Washington Commanders’ dismal season took a serious turn on the night of November 5, 2023, as quarterback Jayden Daniels sustained a dislocated elbow during a game against the Seattle Seahawks. With just under eight minutes remaining and the score at 38-7, Daniels was sacked, resulting in a painful injury that required him to leave the field in a cast. As he departed, immediate concerns arose regarding his recovery and the future of the team.

Following the game, players expressed their heartbreak over the incident. “Gut-wrenching,” said guard Sam Cosmi, while tight end Zach Ertz described the atmosphere as “distraught.” The Commanders, now with a record of 3-6, have faced a barrage of injuries that has hampered their performance since the start of the season. Notably, Daniels has not played alongside the complete starting offense since their playoff victory over the Detroit Lions in January.

Daniels’ injury raises several pressing questions for the team and fans alike. What does his recovery timeline look like? What implications does this have for the Commanders’ offseason plans?

Understanding the Injury

A dislocated elbow occurs when the bones of the elbow joint are forced out of their normal position. The elbow comprises three bones: the humerus, radius, and ulna. This injury can be extremely painful and may involve damage to surrounding ligaments and soft tissues, potentially resulting in a prolonged recovery period.

Typically, conservative treatment for such an injury may take around six to eight weeks, depending on the severity and any additional complications. For quarterbacks, the stakes are particularly high. If the injury involves the throwing arm, even minor issues could significantly alter throwing mechanics. Fortunately for Daniels, the injury affects his non-throwing arm, which could allow him to return sooner than anticipated, possibly while wearing a protective brace.

However, concerns linger about his ability to perform effectively upon his return, especially considering he has already missed games this season due to a left knee sprain and a right hamstring strain. As the regular season nears its end, the Commanders’ chances for post-season play appear slim, which complicates decisions regarding Daniels’ rehabilitation and return.

Team Adjustments and Future Outlook

In the immediate aftermath of Daniels’ injury, Marcus Mariota will step in as the starting quarterback. Mariota, the second overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, has experience in the role, having started three games this season and filled in for Daniels during two others. He has completed 56 of 88 passes for 639 yards, with four touchdowns and four interceptions. While Mariota has shown promise, the Commanders’ offense is struggling, particularly due to injuries to key players, including receiver Terry McLaurin.

The Commanders need to provide Mariota with additional support, as their running game has faltered, ranking 30th in the past four weeks with an average of just 66.8 yards per game. With several offensive weapons sidelined, including McLaurin, the team faces significant challenges moving forward.

The decision to leave Daniels in the game during a blowout loss has sparked questions regarding coaching strategy. Head coach Dan Quinn did not clarify why Daniels remained on the field, suggesting that the team was looking to build momentum despite the score. This decision has drawn scrutiny, especially given that Daniels had already faced pressure throughout the game.

With Daniels’ injury history now including multiple absences this season, questions arise about how this will affect the Commanders’ long-term plans for him. His ability to make plays with both his arm and legs was a key factor in his selection as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 draft.

As the Commanders consider their future, they must assess how to build around Daniels effectively. While they have invested in their offensive line, acquiring players like left tackle Laremy Tunsil and drafting Josh Conerly, there remains a pressing need for more playmaking talent in the receiving corps.

Looking ahead, the Commanders may explore adding another quarterback if Daniels is sidelined for an extended period. However, team insiders express confidence in Mariota’s capabilities as a starting quarterback.

As the Commanders face the Detroit Lions next Sunday, the team must navigate the uncertainty surrounding Daniels’ injury while striving to keep their season alive. The outlook remains bleak, but the organization is determined to adapt and plan for both the immediate and long-term future.