Washington Commadners quarterback Jayden Daniels has had a disappointing second season, as he has dealt with a variety of injuries.
Most recently, Daniels suffered a left elbow injury on "Sunday Night Football" that knocked him out indefinitely. While the Commanders are moving forward with Marcus Mariota as their starting quarterback, they hope that Daniels could return before the end of the year.
Here's the latest on Daniels' injury.
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When is Jayden Daniels coming back?
The Commanders didn't place Daniels on injured reserve, so the quarterback is eligible to return whenever he is healthy. While it initially appeared that Daniels' injury could keep him sidelined for the rest of the year, Daniels ended up not needing surgery, which means he should be able to return this year.
Daniels will miss this week's game against the Miami Dolphins, then Washington will go on its bye week. After the Commanders return, Daniels could be at least back to practice ahead of Washington's final six games of the season.
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What is Jayden Daniels' injury?
In the fourth quarter against the Seattle Seahawks on Nov. 2, Daniels suffered a dislocated elbow on a scramble play as his left arm got caught under his body. Medical staff stabilized Daniel's arm and helped him off the field.
Commanders QB Jayden Daniels is expected to be sidelined indefinitely due to his dislocated left elbow, but it is uncertain whether his season is over, per sources., pic.twitter.com/oSuGTcyFep
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 3, 2025
After further evaluation, doctors determined that Daniels didn't suffer any ligament damage, which meant that the quarterback didn't need to undergo surgery.
Sources: #Commanders QB Jayden Daniels’ MRI and medical opinions revealed positive news, as his dislocated left elbow is not as serious as originally anticipated. There was no ligament damage & he won't need surgery.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 7, 2025
Daniels will not be immediately placed on Injured Reserve. Pic.twitter.com/mB1zZ6D8oj
Dislocated elbow recovery timeline
While dislocated elbows appear to be serious, players are often able to recover from them quicker than expected. If a player suffers a dislocated elbow that doesn't require surgery, like Daniels, that player could return around a month after the injury occurred.
Therefore, Daniels should be cleared for return at some point in December if Washington chooses to have him finish the season. The Commanders decided not to put Daniels on injured reserve, a sign that he could be able to return within four games of the injury.
MORE: Breaking down Why Commanders DT Daron Payne was suspended
Commanders schedule 2025
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | TV Channel |
| 11/16 | vs. Dolphins | 9:30 p.m. | NFL Network |
| -- | BYE | -- | -- |
| 11/30 | vs. Broncos | 8:20 p.m. | NBC |
| 12/7 | @ Vikings | 1:00 p.m. | Fox |
| 12/14 | @ Giants | 1:00 p.m. | Fox |
| 12/20 | vs. Eagles | TBD | Fox |
| 12/25 | vs. Cowboys | 1:00 p.m. | Netflix |
| TBD | @ Eagles | TBD | TBD |