Marcus Mariota to Start for Commanders as Jayden Daniels Deals With Elbow Injury
- Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels is weighing medical opinions regarding a dislocated left elbow sustained on the final play of the first half during a 20-37 loss to...
- ESPN's Adam Schefter confirmed the nature of the joint damage, noting similarities to an issue Daniels battled during his rookie campaign.
- Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner weighed in on the situation during an appearance on ESPN's NFL Live on September 22, 2026, suggesting that Daniels could...
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels is weighing medical opinions regarding a dislocated left elbow sustained on the final play of the first half during a 20-37 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. The injury prompted head coach Dan Quinn to name Marcus Mariota as the Week 3 starter against the Seattle Seahawks.
Commanders turn to Mariota as Daniels weighs medical opinions
Familiar joint damage echoes rookie-season struggles
ESPN’s Adam Schefter confirmed the nature of the joint damage, noting similarities to an issue Daniels battled during his rookie campaign. Last season, the quarterback missed four games due to a comparable left elbow dislocation before attempting to return and aggravating the joint, which ultimately sidelined him for the remainder of the year.
https://x.com/ESPNNFL/status/2102118099843428509
Kurt Warner draws on 2007 career precedent
Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner weighed in on the situation during an appearance on ESPN’s NFL Live on September 22, 2026, suggesting that Daniels could return immediately if he chooses to manage the pain. Warner drew from his own playing career, detailing how he managed an identical injury during the 2007 season.
I suffered the exact same injury back in ’07, and I played the next week,
Warner said on NFL Live. I braced it up, obviously, a couple of shots along the way. I had to hand my football off with my right hand.
Balancing passing mechanics with mobility concerns
Warner emphasized that because the injury affects Daniels’ non-throwing arm, it should not impede his passing mechanics. However, the former MVP acknowledged that the brace and joint stability could still impact the quarterback’s mobility, running ability, and designed rushing plays.
Initial indications from the team show that Daniels hopes to avoid surgery this time around, though he continues to seek external medical evaluations before finalizing a timeline.
High-stakes matchup looms against Seattle
With Daniels sidelined for the upcoming matchup, veteran backup Marcus Mariota takes over first-team repetitions. The Commanders face a critical test against the Seattle Seahawks, attempting to rebound from consecutive losses while their franchise quarterback evaluates the long-term management of his recurring elbow trouble.