New

Jayden Daniels Seeing Another Specialist About Elbow Injury. What We Know

ASHBURN, VA − The New York Giants seemingly have clarity on their quarterback situation. The NFC East rival Washington Commanders aren't there yet.

Head coach Dan Quinn briefed reporters Wednesday, Sept. 23, and revealed that his young QB, Jayden Daniels, is still seeking answers regarding next steps for treating his dislocated left (non-throwing) elbow.

“I know there’s still probably a lot of questions about Jayden," Quinn said. "And he’s seeing another specialist today, so I’ll hold off answering your questions about his timeline to return until we get all the info.”

With the 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year in limbo regarding his return to action, if he does it all in 2026, the team also remains in a holding pattern from a roster perspective. Quinn said the Commanders aren't considering adding another quarterback, at least until they have a better idea of what Daniels' prognosis is. The coach did convey the vibe around his 0-2 team remains upbeat.

Daniels re-injured his elbow, which was initially compromised last November against the Seattle Seahawks − the same team Washington will face in Week 3 − at the end of the first half in Sunday's blowout loss to the Dallas Cowboys.

Jaxson Dart, Daniels' counterpart with the Giants, will miss the rest of the season due to an extensive knee injury he suffered in Monday night's loss to the Los Angeles Rams.

"For he and all his teammates, we're always going to make the best decision first," Quinn said Monday regarding the team's approach a year after Daniels missed 10 games with various injuries, including the elbow, and probably tried to return too quickly.

"Let's take all the time we can, get it just right."

Quinn noted Monday that Daniels had added "armor" in the offseason in a bid to strengthen his slender frame while trying to lessen the risk of future injuries − particularly in light of Daniels' tendency to break from the pocket. However Sunday's setback was a result of trying to break a fall after one of his linemen stepped on his foot, leaving Daniels stumbling and exposed.

More: Will Jayden Daniels need elbow surgery? Experts explain 'unusual' reinjury

Veteran backup Marcus Mariota will start Sunday's home opener against the reigning Super Bowl champion (and currently undefeated) Seahawks. Mariota went 2-6 while filling in for Daniels last season.

Despite Daniels' pending absence, Quinn was confident the team can rebound.

"Man are we pumped to get back home in front of the home crowd," he said Monday.

What is Jayden Daniels' injury history in the NFL?

Unfortunately for the Commanders, Daniels has been no stranger to injury in his short NFL career, that despite playing all 17 games and the playoffs as a rookie in 2024.

▶ 2025: Missed Weeks 3-4 (knee)

▶ 2025: Missed Week 8 (hamstring)

▶ 2025: Missed Weeks 10-13 (left elbow)

▶ 2025: Missed Weeks 15-18 (left elbow)