Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels will miss his second game due to a left elbow dislocation, leaving Marcus Mariota to start against the Indianapolis Colts in London. The Commanders remain optimistic that Daniels could return as early as Week 5 against the New York Giants, according to team reports.
Marcus Mariota Returns as Starter in London
With Daniels unavailable, quarterback Marcus Mariota will take the starting snaps for the second straight week. Mariota stepped in and delivered a strong performance, completing 19 of 31 pass attempts for 183 yards and three touchdowns to help secure a 33-31 victory over the Seattle Seahawks.
Staff adjustments have centered around keeping the offense steady while Daniels recuperates. Mariota’s ability to distribute the ball efficiently remains vital as Washington prepares to face the Colts overseas.
Daniels Wears Protective Brace During Limited Practices
Daniels has participated in practices on a limited basis this week while wearing a protective brace that keeps his non-dominant left elbow slightly flexed. His participation has been restricted to individual drills, including footwork exercises and basic pivoting and throwing motions.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Daniels stated that he experienced no discomfort while executing fundamental quarterback mechanics with his left arm, such as receiving snaps from the center or executing handoffs. He added that he feels no apprehension about re-injuring the joint, emphasizing that the brace is designed specifically to prevent that.
The injury occurred during the final play of the first half in Washington’s Week 2 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. As Daniels scrambled backward, someone stepped on his left foot, causing him to trip and instinctively attempt to break his fall with his left arm. The awkward landing resulted in a left elbow dislocation for the second time in a year, following a similar injury during Week 9 of the previous season that sidelined him for four games and ultimately ended his season.
Commanders Project Daniels Return for Week 5
While the trip to London comes too soon for Daniels to clear medical protocols, the team’s internal projections point toward a potential return in Week 5 when the Commanders host the New York Giants. Medical staff continue to monitor his range of motion and functional strength before granting full clearance for contact practices.
Daniels missed four games last season after dislocating the same elbow during Week 9, returning briefly before the franchise shut him down for the remainder of the year. The cautious approach with the protective brace reflects the organization’s long-term plan for their young franchise quarterback.
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