Washington Commanders Settle on Marcus Mariota as Jayden Daniels’ Injury Timeline Remains Unclear

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  John KeimSep 21, 2026, 03:30 PM ET

  John Keim covers the Washington Commanders for ESPN. He joined the network in 2013 after a tenure with The Washington Post. He has been covering the team since 1994, previously writing for the Journal Newspapers and the Washington Examiner. He is also the author of four books and hosts ‘The John Keim Report’ on ESPN Richmond radio.

The Washington Commanders remain uncertain about the recovery timeline for quarterback Jayden Daniels following his dislocated left elbow, head coach Dan Quinn announced on Monday.

Daniels underwent imaging tests on Monday, with Quinn stating that the quarterback will consult with specialists on Tuesday and Wednesday. This evaluation will dictate the team’s next steps and a potential timeline for his return. X-rays taken after Washington’s Sunday loss to the Dallas Cowboys showed no structural damage.

“Like most things, let’s take all the time we can to get it right,” Quinn said.

Describing the injury as a “freak” occurrence, Quinn expressed his admiration for Daniels’ performance prior to the incident. “I loved everything about the first half and how he was playing and what we did … Obviously, a total surprise to see it,” he added.

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As expected, Marcus Mariota is set to start Sunday’s home game against the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks.

Rookie Athan Kaliakmanis will serve as the third-string quarterback. Quinn noted that the team has not yet discussed signing a veteran backup, but that decision could shift depending on the specialists’ findings regarding Daniels. Daniels sustained the injury on the final play of the first half during the Commanders’ 37-20 loss to the Cowboys.

The play began when left guard Chris Paul accidentally stepped on Daniels’ left foot, causing him to stumble backward after taking the snap. As Daniels attempted to break his fall, his left elbow bent inward awkwardly. Medical staff were able to reset the elbow on the field.

This injury represents another significant setback for Daniels and the Commanders, who have struggled with injuries since the start of the previous season. The team is already without left tackle Laremy Tunsil, who may be out for the season with a torn triceps, while right guard Sam Cosmi entered the concussion protocol during Sunday’s game.

In addition, safety Nick Cross spent the night in a Dallas hospital due to an internal injury, though he has since been released.

Daniels has now exited four of his last five games due to injuries, twice because of a dislocated left elbow and once after reinjuring it. He missed ten games last season, including two due to a sprained knee and one due to a hamstring strain.

Despite the early exit on Sunday, Daniels showed strong form, completing 11 of 17 passes for 96 yards. He also proved effective on the ground, rushing seven times for 69 yards in a performance reminiscent of his 2024 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year campaign.

“It sucks for him,” Quinn said. “I know how much these guys put into it. So, when there are setbacks like this, you just want to stand by them.”

Dr. Chetan Gohal, an orthopedic surgeon at New York University’s Langone Orthopedic Center and former team physician for the Chicago Blackhawks and Cubs, explained that a second dislocation often indicates unstable ligaments, even in the absence of a full tear.

He noted that specialists will assess the stability of Daniels’ elbow, a factor that will dictate the next course of action.

Speaking generally, Dr. Gohal explained that an unstable elbow could require surgical intervention, such as ligament repair or reconstruction. In a reconstruction scenario, the likelihood of future dislocations decreases, but the recovery period is substantial.

If the elbow remains stable, the timeline for an athlete’s return will depend on pain levels and joint stability, particularly given that this is a second occurrence.

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