Commanders QB Jayden Daniels Exits With Left Elbow Injury in Week 2

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels departed Sunday’s Week 2 matchup after injuring his left elbow on the final play before halftime, putting the team’s offensive outlook in question.

Daniels appeared to injure the elbow while bracing for a fall with his left arm on the play. The visual was reminiscent of a 2024 incident against the Seattle Seahawks, when he dislocated the same elbow and missed five weeks. He was carted off the field, and FOX Sports sideline reporter Tom Rinaldi reported that Daniels was taken for X-rays, though no official diagnosis had been announced at the time of publication.

Before exiting, Daniels had completed 11 of 17 pass attempts for 96 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions. He also carried the ball seven times for 69 yards, with his final rushing attempt coming on the play on which he was hurt.

Veteran backup Marcus Mariota took over under center and is expected to finish the game. While Daniels has not been formally ruled out beyond Sunday, the early indications suggest he may be sidelined for some additional time.

The game is being broadcast on Fox, whose sports division broke the news of the X-rays. Shares of Fox Corporation (NASDAQ: FOXA) traded at $64.45 on Monday, down 0.82% from the prior close of $64.98, giving the media company a market capitalization of roughly $26.85 billion. The injury comes amid a high-profile NFL season for the network’s sports programming division, which has built much of its broadcast lineup around marquee quarterbacks and matchups.

Mariota’s presence would represent a meaningful change for the Washington offense if Daniels misses extended action. The veteran’s different playing style could shift play-calling tendencies, with analysts suggesting the Commanders might lean more heavily on their ground game, including backs Rachaad White and Jacory Croskey-Merritt, and a reduced downfield passing emphasis.

What to watch

• Results of Daniels’ X-rays and any follow-up imaging, along with an official diagnosis from the team.
• Coach and team statements on his status for upcoming weeks, including whether injured reserve is considered.
• Mariota’s performance in relief and how Washington adjusts its offensive approach in his absence.
• Fox Corporation’s upcoming quarterly earnings, which may provide context on NFL broadcast viewership trends.

Source: original release