Just about everything that could have gone wrong for the Washington Commanders has this season, with star quarterback Jayden Daniels‘ injury serving as the latest example.
Head coach Dan Quinn put the blame on himself for leaving Daniels in late into the second half during a blowout home loss to the Seattle Seahawks that dropped Washington to 3-6 on the year. The QB dislocated his elbow and left the field of play with it immobilized in a scene that served as a microcosm of the Commanders’ 2025 campaign after earning a trip to the NFC Championship Game in January.
But Daniels and company got some reasonably good news in the aftermath that the injury may not end his year.
“Jayden Daniels’ elbow dislocation injury was grotesque, but because it is not his throwing elbow, there will not be a Tommy John UCL surgery,” sports doctor David J. Chao posted to X on November 2 . “The injury is not career-threatening, and depending on the associated injuries, there is a slim chance it may not be season-ending.”
Jayden Daniels’ Return May Depend on Commanders’ Playoff Chances
GettyQuarterback Jayden Daniels of the Washington Commanders
Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reported on Wednesday, November 5, that some of his sources believe Daniels could return before the end of the year.
“While some people I’ve talked to believe the injury might not be season-ending, exact timelines appear unsettled at this time. The team is not rushing a decision and wants to make a fully informed one,” Fowler wrote . “In the short term, the Commanders and Daniels must decide whether to place him on injured reserve (out a minimum of four games) and when exactly to bring him back.”
“One factor that looms large is Washington’s downward spiral sitting at 3-6,” Fowler continued. “Will the Commanders be motivated to place Daniels back into the lineup if the slide continues and the team is well short of playoff contention? The player and team must weigh that question.”
In the meantime, the Commanders will turn back to Marcus Mariota under center. Mariota has started three games this season and appeared in five, throwing for 639 yards, four TDs and four INTs on 63.6 percent passing. His record as the team’s starter is 1-2.
Commanders Have Yet to Add QB to Roster Since Jayden Daniels’ Injury
GettyWashington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn and quarterback Jayden Daniels.
The Commanders have three more consecutive home games with a bye sandwiched in between, which give them a better chance of remaining afloat in Daniels’ absence. However, two of those contests are next week against the Detroit Lions (5-3) and in Week 13 against the Denver Broncos (7-2) coming off the bye.
Josh Johnson , a 39-year-old veteran, is now QB2 behind Mariota. Washington might have considered dealing for a more game-ready signal-caller if Mariota struggles — such as Russell Wilson of the New York Giants , who would have been inexpensive from both trade return and salary standpoints — but that opportunity passed with the trade deadline on Tuesday.
The Commanders are likely to look to free agency at some point soon to add a third QB to the roster in case of an emergency need.
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