Jayden Daniels Injured in Cowboys Game

In a Week 2 clash with the Dallas Cowboys, Commanders’ rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels dislocated his left elbow, forcing him to leave the field and miss the remainder of the 2025 season. The injury adds to a series of setbacks that have limited Daniels to just seven games this year. With the tea…

By Felo News Desk · Published Mon, 21 Sep 2026 02:32:21 GMT

During a Week 2 showdown with the Dallas Cowboys, Washington Commanders’ rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels suffered a dislocated left elbow that forced him to leave the field and miss the rest of the 2025 season. The injury, which occurred just before halftime while the team was on the Cowboys’ goal line, marked the latest in a series of setbacks that have limited Daniels to only seven games this year.

What Happened on the Field

With the Commanders trailing 17‑10 and just three seconds left before the first half, Washington elected to run a play from the shotgun instead of attempting a field goal. Daniels, who had completed 11 of 17 passes for 96 yards and a touchdown and rushed for 69 yards, stumbled while dropping back to pass. In an effort to steady himself, he extended his left arm toward the ground, causing his elbow to pop out of place. The injury was severe enough that the team had to cart him off the field, and he left the stadium with a sling in place.

Fox analyst Tom Brady was visibly shocked by the replay, remarking, “Oh s‑t. Excuse me. Was not expecting to see that.” The Commanders’ coaching staff confirmed that Daniels had dislocated his elbow and would undergo further testing the following day.

Daniels’ 2025 Injury Timeline

Daniels’ second professional season has been marred by a string of injuries. In Week 2, he suffered a left knee sprain against the Green Bay Packers, which caused him to miss the next two games. In Week 7, a right hamstring strain in the third quarter of the Cowboys game sidelined him for an additional week. Week 9 brought a scary elbow injury when he was sacked by the Seattle Seahawks; the initial assessment suggested a severe injury, but it turned out to be a dislocated left elbow. After missing three games, he returned to the field, only to re‑aggravate the same elbow in Week 14 against the Minnesota Vikings. He sat out the following game against the New York Giants on December 14, and the Commanders subsequently ruled him out for the final three games of the season.

Over the course of the season, Daniels completed 60.6 percent of his passes for 1,262 yards, eight touchdowns, and three interceptions, while rushing for 278 yards and two scores. He has played in just seven games, a stark contrast to his rookie season, in which he led Washington to 14 wins, including a playoff run that culminated in an NFC Championship Game appearance.

Impact on the Commanders’ Offense

Daniels’ absence has forced the Commanders to rely on backup quarterback Marcus Mariota, a veteran who previously played for the Tennessee Titans and Oregon. Mariota’s experience has been valuable, but the loss of a young, dynamic playmaker like Daniels has raised concerns about the team’s ability to generate offense and compete for a playoff spot. The Commanders’ offensive coordinator has emphasized the need to adjust play-calling to accommodate Mariota’s strengths, while also preparing for the possibility that Daniels may return late in the season.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Washington?

The Commanders face an uncertain future as they navigate the remainder of the season without their starting quarterback. The coaching staff has indicated that they will continue to develop Mariota while also evaluating other options, such as signing a veteran free agent or promoting a third‑string quarterback. The team’s management is also reviewing the medical reports to determine whether Daniels could return for the playoffs or if a more permanent solution is necessary.

For Daniels, the injury represents a significant setback in what was already a challenging year. He entered the 2025 season healthy and eager to rebound from a difficult rookie campaign, but the accumulation of injuries has forced him to miss 10 games overall last season. The question now is whether he can recover fully and resume his role as Washington’s offensive leader.

Why This Matters

Jayden Daniels is not only the Commanders’ starting quarterback but also the 2024 AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. His injury has implications for the team’s competitive prospects, the player’s career trajectory, and the broader narrative of young quarterbacks navigating the physical demands of the NFL.

Key facts

Jayden Daniels dislocated his left elbow in Week 2 vs. Cowboys
He has missed 10 games in 2025 due to injuries
Backup Marcus Mariota is filling the void
The Commanders are considering long‑term quarterback solutions
Daniels’ injury underscores the physical challenges for rookie QBs

Why it matters

Daniels’ injury not only sidelines a key player but also forces the Commanders to rethink their offensive strategy and roster decisions, impacting the team’s playoff aspirations and the quarterback’s career development.