Jayden Daniels injury: Commanders QB dislocates left elbow again in loss to Cowboys

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 Washington Commanders v Dallas Cowboys ARLINGTON, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 20: A member of the Washington Commanders medical staff attends to Jayden Daniels #5 of the Washington Commanders after Daniels sustained an injury against the Dallas Cowboys in the

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WASHINGTON - Jayden Daniels has been ruled out for Sunday's game after he dislocated his left elbow for the second time in less than a year during the Washington Commanders’ 37–20 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday. The injury is similar to the one that sidelined him for most of the second half of last season.

Daniels suffered the injury late in the first half when head coach Dan Quinn opted to go for points instead of attempting a field goal before the break. Quinn stood by the call, describing the play as a freak accident.

Imaging conducted on Monday revealed no broken bones, but Daniels will undergo further testing with specialists in the coming days.

The setback impacted the same elbow Daniels dislocated last season, an injury that did not require surgery and was managed through rehabilitation. 

Quinn acknowledged that while discussions had taken place regarding whether Daniels should wear a protective arm brace, he was not wearing one when the injury occurred.

With Daniels sidelined, veteran Marcus Mariota will take over under center for Sunday's home opener. Quinn announced the shift in leadership, expressing total confidence in the backup quarterback and stating there is "nobody easier to rally around than him."

Whether the Commanders will sign another veteran quarterback to back up Mariota remains to be seen. Updates on Daniels' condition are expected Thursday or Friday, officials said. 

The injury marks a heartbreaking turn of events for fans hoping to see Daniels build upon his standout rookie season, especially after he spent the offseason gaining weight and building strength to better withstand the physical toll.

Sitting at 0-2 with two divisional losses in the NFC East, the Commanders must now rally behind Mariota as they prepare to host the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks.