Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels is meeting elbow specialists on Tuesday and Wednesday as the team seeks clarity over his latest injury, with head coach Dan Quinn confirming that Marcus Mariota will start against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.
Daniels dislocated his left elbow during Washington’s 37-20 defeat by the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday. The third-year quarterback has undergone imaging, but the Commanders have yet to provide a timetable for his return.
The club said there is no fracture in the elbow. Quinn has indicated that Daniels is expected to miss at least this weekend’s game, although the extent of his absence will depend on the specialists’ assessment.
Washington will wait for the medical advice before deciding whether to bring in another quarterback. Rookie Athan Kaliakmanis is currently listed as Mariota’s backup.
Marcus Mariota handed starting role
Mariota took over after Daniels was injured in the final play of the first half in Dallas. He completed 11 of 16 passes for 111 yards and a touchdown in relief.
The veteran will now lead the Commanders into their home opener against the Seahawks, who are 2-0. Washington has lost its opening two games of the season.
Quinn said the team would rally around Mariota while Daniels undergoes further evaluation. The former Heisman Trophy winner also suffered a dislocated left elbow last season, missing time before aggravating the injury on his return.
Daniels missed a month after the initial injury in November 2025 and was then ruled out for the final four games of the campaign after the elbow was re-aggravated in December. Mariota started eight games during that spell, with Washington winning twice.
The latest injury occurred as Daniels appeared to stumble near the Cowboys’ goal line while attempting to make a play. He tried to brace his fall with his left arm before going to the ground in pain and being helped from the field.
Commanders players have expressed their support for their quarterback, who had completed 11 of 17 passes and rushed for 69 yards before leaving the game.
“He’s going to shake back,” wide receiver Terry McLaurin said. “We have a lot of season left, so he’s gonna be able to come back and we’ll be ready for his return.”
