Jayden Daniels Opts for Brace Over Surgery, Could Return From Elbow Dislocation in London
Update: Daniels returned Sunday against the Giants, ran for 103 yards and two touchdowns and threw for 199 without a turnover, in a 27-27 tie that ended with a botched final play he took the blame for.
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels dislocated his left elbow on the last play of the first half of Sunday's 37-20 loss at Dallas, according to ESPN. It is the same elbow he dislocated in Week 9 last season.
What happened on the play?
With three seconds left in the half, Daniels took a snap from under center, got his feet caught up with left guard Chris Paul and fell. He put his left arm down to brace himself and the elbow gave way. Marcus Mariota played the second half and went 11 of 16 for 111 yards and a touchdown.
How long could he be out?
The Commanders have not announced a timeline. Last year's dislocation cost Daniels four games, and he aggravated the elbow in Week 14 and missed the rest of the season, so an extended absence is the expectation. Washington is 0-2 and hosts Seattle on Sunday, with Mariota in line to start.
What did Dan Quinn say Monday?
Daniels will see specialists Tuesday and Wednesday, and no surgery had been discussed as of Monday; the options are a procedure to tighten the ligament or rest and rehab. Mariota starts against the Seahawks, with rookie sixth-round pick Athan Kaliakmanis the only other quarterback on the roster. "0-2 is not where we wanted to be, that's for sure. But we also are resolute that that's not where we're going to be staying," Quinn said, adding of Daniels' first half: "I loved everything about the first half, how he was playing."
What about the clip?
A short Fox clip showed several Commanders walking past Daniels while trainers worked on the elbow, which they relocated on the field. "When the half is over, the referees are saying, 'Man, I can't delay the half.' The players were like, 'No, we want to stay.' So it's just the opposite of that. They were gutted. They love this guy," Quinn said. Tackle Josh Conerly Jr.: "You can't go off a simple 10-second clip. We all care for our quarterback and we're all behind him." Tight end Ben Sinnott said players stepped back to give Daniels space. The team has not yet announced whether Daniels will have surgery.
Is he having surgery?
No. Several specialists advised against immediate surgery and Daniels chose a specialized brace on the left, non-throwing elbow. Asked about the risk of another dislocation, he said: "That's what the brace is for. If I had that concern, I would have gotten surgery." He was limited in practice in Hertfordshire this week. "I'm taking it day by day," he said. "I love playing football, I get paid to play football." Marcus Mariota is preparing for a second straight start if Daniels can't go.
Is he playing in London?
No. Daniels traveled with the team and practiced on a limited basis but was ruled out against Indianapolis, so Mariota starts again.
When could he be back?
Week 5 against the Giants is the target. "That's the hope for sure," Quinn said after Mariota injured his knee in the loss to Indianapolis and rookie Athan Kaliakmanis finished the game.
How did his return go?
Productively, until the last snap. Daniels ran for 103 yards and two scores and threw for 199 yards with no turnovers in a brace, then snapped the ball with 12 seconds left in overtime and no timeouts, tucked it and was tackled as the clock ran out on a possible 42-yard field goal. "Ultimately, it's on me," he said, while Dan Quinn said the responsibility was his.
Players in this story
Sources
- ESPN: Week 2 impact on the NFC: Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels hurt
- ESPN: What's next for Jayden Daniels, Commanders after elbow injury?
- ESPN: Commanders say clip didn't reflect team response to Daniels injury
- ESPN: Commanders' Jayden Daniels says he's taking injury day by day
- ESPN: Fantasy football Week 4 inactives: Daniels, DeVonta to sit; McConkey questionable
- ESPN: Marcus Mariota out as Commanders turn to rookie Athan Kaliakmanis
- ESPN: Commanders' Daniels takes blame for botched final play in OT
Washington Commanders betting odds
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