- May 21, 2026
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Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels returns on Sunday, three weeks after suffering a second dislocation of his left elbow in the past 11 months.
The move comes with a calculated risk. Via Adam Schefter of ESPN, "[t]here are doctors around the NFL who believe it’s a matter of when, not if" Daniels suffers a third dislocation of the elbow.
Although none of the doctors who expressed that concern have actually examined Daniels (which, in most cases, means that they should politely shut the hell up), it's fairly obvious that the thing that has happened to Daniels twice could happen again. In both instances, he extended his left arm while falling. On impact with the ground, the elbow went out of joint. So, yes, there's something in the elbow that makes it susceptible to dislocation when he uses the arm to brace himself.
Daniels will wear a brace on his non-throwing elbow. Whether it matters won't be known until the next time he falls and tries to brace himself with his left arm.
The problem for Daniels, and the Commanders, is that surgery likely would be the only way to fix the problem. With Daniels eligible for a second contract after the 2026 season, he needs to play as many games as possible (and play well) to unlock a significant deal.
The coaching staff also has plenty of reasons to let him risk it, especially with Marcus Mariota injured. Dan Quinn has been around long enough to know that, if 2026 goes the way 2025 did, he won't be around in 2027.
The move comes with a calculated risk. Via Adam Schefter of ESPN, "[t]here are doctors around the NFL who believe it’s a matter of when, not if" Daniels suffers a third dislocation of the elbow.
Although none of the doctors who expressed that concern have actually examined Daniels (which, in most cases, means that they should politely shut the hell up), it's fairly obvious that the thing that has happened to Daniels twice could happen again. In both instances, he extended his left arm while falling. On impact with the ground, the elbow went out of joint. So, yes, there's something in the elbow that makes it susceptible to dislocation when he uses the arm to brace himself.
Daniels will wear a brace on his non-throwing elbow. Whether it matters won't be known until the next time he falls and tries to brace himself with his left arm.
The problem for Daniels, and the Commanders, is that surgery likely would be the only way to fix the problem. With Daniels eligible for a second contract after the 2026 season, he needs to play as many games as possible (and play well) to unlock a significant deal.
The coaching staff also has plenty of reasons to let him risk it, especially with Marcus Mariota injured. Dan Quinn has been around long enough to know that, if 2026 goes the way 2025 did, he won't be around in 2027.