Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels suffered a dislocated left elbow during the team’s 38-14 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Here’s the latest on his injury, MRI results, Dan Quinn’s reaction, and what this means for the Commanders’ 2025 season.
Jayden Daniels Dislocated Elbow: Commanders QB Faces Major Setback in 2025 NFL Season
The Washington Commanders faced another devastating blow in their 2025 NFL campaign as Jayden Daniels dislocated his elbow during Sunday night’s Week 9 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. The injury occurred late in the fourth quarter, sending shockwaves through Northwest Stadium and leaving fans, teammates, and coaches deeply concerned about the young quarterback’s future.
Daniels, the No. 2 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, had been the symbol of hope for Washington’s rebuilding era. Unfortunately, this marks his third injury of the season and possibly the most severe one to date. Let’s take a closer look at what happened, what’s next, and how this incident could reshape the Commanders’ season.
Jayden Daniels dislocated elbow: What Happened
With 7:39 remaining in the game and Washington trailing 38-7, Jayden Daniels dislocated his left elbow after a sack by Seahawks linebacker Drake Thomas. The young quarterback was scrambling to his right when his arm bent awkwardly under the weight of the tackle.
He immediately clutched his elbow in pain, visibly shaken. The crowd at Northwest Stadium fell silent as medical personnel rushed onto the field. Daniels was eventually escorted to the locker room with a black air cast on his left arm, refusing the cart and walking off under his own power.
“I’m gutted by it,” said Commanders head coach Dan Quinn, adding that Jayden Daniels dislocated elbow is “a bummer” and that the team would await MRI results to confirm the severity.
Jayden Daniels dislocated elbow Woes Continue
This incident adds to a growing list of injuries for Washington this season. The Commanders (now 3-6) have already lost multiple key players, including:
| Player | Position | Injury Type | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Austin Ekeler | Running Back | Ankle sprain | Injured Reserve |
| Deatrich Wise Jr. | Defensive End | Shoulder | Injured Reserve |
| Dorance Armstrong | Defensive End | Knee | Injured Reserve |
| Will Harris | Safety | Hamstring | Injured Reserve |
| Noah Brown | Wide Receiver | Foot | Out for season |
| Terry McLaurin | Wide Receiver | Quad | Missed 5 games |
The Jayden Daniels dislocated elbow now represents the team’s most impactful loss yet, considering his leadership and offensive production.
Dan Quinn’s Reaction and Locker Room Response
After the game, Coach Dan Quinn expressed heartbreak but avoided speculation on how long Daniels might be out. He noted that the play in question was typically a routine handoff or short throw, suggesting bad luck more than poor decision-making.
“You don’t want to think that way where an injury could take place,” Quinn said. “If we run that play 50 times, it’s either a handoff or throw 50 times. So, yeah, it’s a bummer.”
Several teammates echoed similar emotions:
- Sam Cosmi, right guard: “You could just hear the air go out of the stadium. I put my head down and prayed for him.”
- Zach Ertz, tight end: “He’s more than a player; he’s a great person. It hurts to see him like that.”
- Frankie Luvu, linebacker: “JD is one of them ones. He’s a true dog. We go to war with him every week.”
Their words highlight Daniels’ importance not just as a player, but as a team leader whose presence energizes the locker room.
Jayden Daniels’ Season Overview
Before suffering the Jayden Daniels dislocated elbow had already battled a sprained knee and a hamstring issue earlier this season. Despite the setbacks, his resilience and mobility had kept the Commanders competitive in several games.
| Stat Category | 2025 Season (Through Week 9) |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 6 |
| Passing Yards | 1,452 |
| Passing Touchdowns | 10 |
| Interceptions | 5 |
| Rushing Yards | 328 |
| Rushing Touchdowns | 3 |
Against Seattle, Daniels completed 16 of 22 passes for 153 yards with one interception and rushed for 51 yards, including a touchdown before exiting.
MRI and Recovery Timeline
As of Monday morning, sources confirm that Jayden Daniels dislocated elbow will undergo an MRI to determine the full extent of the elbow dislocation. Initial reports suggest that he could be sidelined indefinitely, though whether his season is over remains uncertain.
A dislocated elbow typically requires 4–8 weeks for recovery, depending on ligament damage and swelling. If surgery is necessary, his recovery could extend into the offseason, ending his 2025 campaign prematurely.
Marcus Mariota to Replace Jayden Daniels due to Jayden Daniels dislocated elbow
With Daniels sidelined, Marcus Mariota will step in as the starting quarterback when the Commanders face the Detroit Lions next Sunday. Mariota, who filled in earlier this season, brings veteran experience and mobility but lacks the dynamic playmaking of Daniels.
Mariota expressed his support for his teammate after the game:
“Football is violent, and it still hurts when you see a brother go down. We just want to make sure Jayden feels supported and knows he’s not doing this alone.”
Seattle Seahawks Dominate as Sam Darnold Shines
The Jayden Daniels dislocated elbow overshadowed an incredible night for Sam Darnold and the Seattle Seahawks, who improved to 6-2 with a commanding 38-14 win. Darnold threw four touchdowns in the first half, completing 16 straight passes before finishing with 330 yards and a QBR of 97.8 — the best of his career.
The Seahawks’ performance reinforced their status as NFC contenders, while the Commanders’ defeat highlighted their struggles in both health and depth.
Impact on Washington Commanders’ Season
The Jayden Daniels dislocated elbow injury could prove catastrophic for Washington’s playoff hopes. After a 12-5 record and NFC Championship Game appearance in 2024, the Commanders entered 2025 with high expectations.
However, their 3-6 record and extensive injury list have derailed momentum. Without Daniels, Washington’s offense will rely heavily on Mariota, Ertz, and running back Chris Rodriguez Jr.
If Daniels is out for the season due to Jayden Daniels dislocated elbow, Washington’s coaching staff will face pressure to adapt their game plan and possibly consider long-term roster changes.
Jayden Daniels’ Leadership and Locker Room Impact
Even with the Jayden Daniels dislocated elbow remains a cornerstone for the Commanders’ franchise. His leadership qualities, work ethic, and composure have inspired teammates since his rookie year.
“He’s always in good spirits,” said Mariota. “He’s an incredible person. Even after something like this, he’s still smiling and encouraging us.”
Daniels’ presence, even off the field, could continue to influence team morale as he begins the recovery process.
Expert Insights: What a Dislocated Elbow Means for Quarterbacks
Medical experts note that a Jayden Daniels dislocated elbow for a quarterback is particularly concerning due to the risk of ligament damage affecting throwing mechanics.
| Recovery Factor | Typical Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mild Dislocation | 4–6 weeks | No major ligament tear |
| Moderate Injury | 6–10 weeks | Partial ligament strain |
| Severe or Surgical Case | 3–6 months | Possible end to season |
The MRI scan will reveal whether surgery is needed. If the injury is confined to the non-throwing arm (as in Daniels’ case), there’s a chance for a late-season return — though the Commanders may opt to prioritize long-term health.
Future Outlook for Jayden Daniels and the Commanders
The Commanders’ long-term success still revolves around Jayden Daniels. His dual-threat style, leadership, and calm under pressure make him a franchise-caliber quarterback.
Even if the Jayden Daniels dislocated elbow ends his season, he is expected to make a full recovery and return as the starter in 2026.
For now, Washington fans and teammates must hope for favorable MRI results and a quick recovery timeline.
FAQs About Jayden Daniels’ Injury
Q1: What exactly happened to Jayden Daniels?
Jayden Daniels dislocated his left elbow during the fourth quarter of the Commanders’ 38-14 loss to the Seahawks.
Q2: How long will Jayden Daniels be out?
The official recovery timeline depends on MRI results. A typical dislocation can take 4–8 weeks, but severe cases may require surgery and end his season.
Q3: Who will replace Jayden Daniels?
Marcus Mariota will start at quarterback when the Commanders host the Detroit Lions next week.
Q4: How many injuries has Jayden Daniels had this season?
This marks Daniels’ third injury — he previously missed games with a sprained knee and hamstring strain.
Q5: What’s the Commanders’ record after the Seahawks game?
Washington falls to 3-6 on the season following the 38-14 loss.
Conclusion
The Jayden Daniels dislocated elbow is a major setback for both the young quarterback and the Washington Commanders. While his MRI will determine the exact recovery timeline, the injury highlights the physical toll of the NFL season and the challenges facing a team already plagued by injuries.
Daniels’ leadership and resilience will continue to inspire his teammates, but the Commanders must now navigate the rest of 2025 without their franchise cornerstone. As fans await updates, one thing remains clear — Jayden Daniels’ story with Washington is far from over.