Jayden Daniels says elbow feels ‘good,’ will wear brace as Commanders monitor return
Quarterback Jayden Daniels said he feels “good” in his first week back at practice and is wearing a brace on his left arm as the Washington Commanders monitor his elbow injury, the team reported Wednesday. The Commanders listed Daniels as limited in the session and have not ruled him out for Sundays game against the Indianapolis Professional Football Team. The club said it will continue to assess him through the week and make a decision on Friday about his game status.
Portions of practice open to media showed Daniels moving with the same fluidity he displayed before the injury, completing throws and joking with teammates, though the brace prevents him from fully extending the elbow. Head coach Dan Quinn said, “We will not put him out there before he is ready,” and emphasized confidence in the medical process. Quinn added that Daniels will wear the brace for the remainder of the season to reduce the risk of a third dislocation.
Daniels said he consulted multiple specialists across the country before arriving at the current plan and team doctors said he did not need surgery to play this season. “I love football,” Daniels said, explaining his motivation to return and his willingness to protect the arm. Asked whether the brace affects his throwing motion, Daniels replied, “Nope.” He acknowledged an adjustment period because the brace prevents full extension, but said it does not prohibit handing off or pitching the ball.
The Commanders said they will gradually increase Daniels’ workload and focus on the arm’s functionality as they determine readiness, relying on medical advice. Quinn noted Daniels’ drive and familiarity with the recovery process, saying that experience gives the team a clearer sense of the timeline. Daniels sustained the injury at the end of the first half against the Dallas Cowboys after rushing for 69 yards and completing 11 of 17 passes; he had the offense at the Cowboys’ 1-yard line before leaving the game. Backup Marcus Mariota said the team will support whatever decision is best for the organization and described Daniels as the leader of the offense.
NFL Sports Blog Take
Daniels returning to limited practice with a brace and without needing surgery is a meaningful development for the Commanders, but the team is right to prioritize functional testing over timelines. Wearing a brace for the rest of the season lowers the risk of re-injury but can alter mechanics until he fully adjusts. The Commanders will need consistent results in throwing, ball handling and mobility during practice reps this week before clearing him for game action. The presence of an experienced backup in Marcus Mariota gives Washington a measured path forward while protecting Daniels’ long-term availability.