The Washington Commanders dropped to 0-2 on the season following a 37-20 loss to the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium, but the primary concern for the franchise centers on star quarterback Jayden Daniels. Washington head coach Dan Quinn announced after the game that Daniels suffered a dislocation to his left elbow right before halftime. Initial X-rays confirmed there was no fracture, and the quarterback traveled back with the team while facing further medical imaging and testing.
Commanders Suffer Major Blow as Jayden Daniels Dislocates Left Elbow Against Cowboys
The injury occurred with just three seconds remaining in the second quarter as the Commanders attempted to score from the Dallas 1-yard line. Left guard Chris Paul stepped on Daniels’ foot as the quarterback backed away from center, causing him to lose his balance and attempt to brace his fall on the turf. Daniels’ left arm bent awkwardly backward as defensive tackle Jonathan Bullard approached. Trainers rushed to the field, placed his arm in an air cast, and carted him to the locker room with a towel over his head. Quinn defended the play-calling decision, stating he wanted to remain aggressive rather than playing the what-if game.
Team and Coach React to Familiar Injury Blow
The latest setback carries a heavy sense of déjà vu for Washington, as it marks the second year that Daniels has dislocated his non-throwing elbow. Last season, a series of injuries—including a knee sprain, a hamstring issue, and a previous elbow dislocation sustained in a loss to the Seattle Seahawks—limited the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner to just seven games. After missing time following that initial elbow trauma, Daniels had returned only to re-aggravate it against the Minnesota Vikings, ultimately sidelining him for the final stretch of the year.
Addressing reporters after Sunday’s defeat, Quinn expressed deep sympathy for his starting signal-caller. Man, are we bummed for him,
Quinn said, according to NBC Sports. I thought he was really playing his ass off. And we will rally so hard around Marcus until Jayden is back.
Teammates also voiced their support, with receiver Terry McLaurin noting that the injury temporarily took the air out of the team, while center Nick Allegretti shared that Daniels told him he would be all right.
Marcus Mariota Steps In as Washington Prepares for Seattle
With Daniels sidelined for the foreseeable future, the Commanders will pivot to veteran backup Marcus Mariota under center. Mariota saw limited action against Dallas, recording 111 passing yards and a touchdown in relief. The 11-year veteran and former second overall draft pick will now assume starting duties as Washington seeks its first victory of the season.
The challenge does not get any easier for the shorthanded squad. Next up, the Commanders face their home opener against the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks, who enter the matchup with two straight wins under head coach Dan Quinn’s former division rivals. Mariota and the Washington offense will be tasked with solving a dominant Seattle defense that recently allowed just 151 total yards against Arizona.
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