(UPDATE: HC Dan Quinn confirmed Daniels suffered a dislocated elbow, but did not have any fractures. According to Pro Football Doc, the MRI will show ligament damage, but he does not expect Daniels to undergo surgery, and his return this season is possible if the Commanders maintain playoff chances.)
Jayden Daniels suffered a grotesque looking left-elbow dislocation late in a blowout game, with the visual severity immediately sparking concern for the Commanders’ young star and his future. The injury appeared to be a classic elbow dislocation, with the joint visibly displaced and players urgently signaling for medical help. On-field reduction was required before he was transported for further evaluation. While details are still emerging as the game continues, early signs offer more optimism than the moment suggested.
According to our own Pro Football Doc and his 17 years of NFL injury experience, an elbow dislocation like this almost always involves torn ligaments. The critical question now centers on whether Daniels also sustained an associated radial head fracture, something X-rays will clarify. The most important early positive: this is his non-throwing elbow. Had this been his right arm, injury to the ulnar collateral ligament could have meant Tommy John surgery and a long-term recovery timeline. Instead, even with ligament damage, surgery is typically not required for non-throwing–side dislocations, and players often regain stability with bracing and rehab.
While the injury looked career-threatening in real time, the reality is far more encouraging. Other NFL players have returned within the same season after similar elbow dislocations, depending on the extent of fractures or associated soft-tissue damage. It’s too early to definitively project Daniels’ timeline, but nothing about the early information suggests his long-term career is at risk. As imaging and testing clarify the full picture, Sports Injury Central will update Daniels’ SIC Score and provide a more precise outlook.
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