# Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels injury

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/washington-commanders-quarterback-jayden-daniels-injury
> Updated: 2026-10-02T16:03:23.000Z. Sources: 42. Developments: 5.

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels suffered a dislocated left elbow during a loss to the Dallas Cowboys. While imaging showed no fractures, specialists are evaluating potential ligament damage. Head coach Dan Quinn dismissed social media rumors regarding poor team morale following the injury, describing the claims as “nonsense” and stating the team was “absolutely gutted.”

In the following week, veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota replaced Daniels and led the Commanders to a 33-31 upset victory over the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks. Mariota completed 19 of 31 passes for 183 yards and three touchdowns. The game was decided late in the fourth quarter when linebacker Kain Medrano returned a Sam Darnold interception 50 yards for a touchdown. Although Seattle’s Sam Darnold threw for 379 yards and four touchdowns, the Seahawks were undone by three turnovers, snapping their 12-game winning streak. The victory provided the Commanders with their first win of the season, moving them to 1-2.

Defensively, cornerback Amik Robertson emerged as a standout performer, recording four passes defensed and forcing a fumble. Despite Seattle outgaining Washington 437 to 258 yards, Washington’s ability to capitalize on turnovers proved decisive. This victory significantly boosted fan confidence, which rose to 76% following the game. While the offense was credited by nearly half of the fans, the defense was also recognized for generating three critical takeaways.

Daniels is expected to return within approximately three weeks and will not require surgery. Following the Seattle win, Dan Quinn confirmed Mariota will start again in Week 4 against the Indianapolis Colts in London. Additionally, head coach Quinn indicated that cornerback Mike Sainristil’s role will likely be restricted to nickel duties, with Rasul Douglas or Fabian Moreau handling boundary responsibilities due to Sainristil’s inconsistent performance.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-02: Marcus Mariota leads Washington Commanders in first start against Seahawks

Marcus Mariota led the Washington Commanders in his first start of the season, throwing multiple touchdowns against the Seattle Seahawks following an injury to Jayden Daniels.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/marcus-mariota-leads-washington-commanders-in-first-start-against-seahawks

### 2026-10-01: Washington Commanders upset Seattle Seahawks

The Washington Commanders upset the Seattle Seahawks 33-31, boosting fan confidence, though cornerback Mike Sainristil faces a reduced role under coach Dan Quinn.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/washington-commanders-upset-seattle-seahawks

### 2026-09-28: Washington Commanders defeat Seattle Seahawks 33-31

The Washington Commanders snapped the Seattle Seahawks' 12-game winning streak with a 33-31 victory, fueled by Marcus Mariota's three touchdowns and key turnovers from Seattle's Sam Darnold.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sam-darnold-critiques-turnovers-in-seahawks-loss-to-commanders

### 2026-09-26: Washington Commanders upset Seattle Seahawks 33-31

Backup QB Marcus Mariota led the Washington Commanders to a 33-31 upset over the Seattle Seahawks, ending Seattle's 12-game winning streak.

28 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/marcus-mariota-leads-commanders-to-victory-over-seahawks

### 2026-09-22: Jayden Daniels dislocates elbow, forcing Commanders to turn to Marcus Mariota

Washington Commanders QB Jayden Daniels dislocated his left elbow, leading the team to name Marcus Mariota as the starter for Week 3 against the Seahawks.

15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jayden-daniels-suffers-left-elbow-dislocation-during-commanders-loss

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Cite as: Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels injury. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/washington-commanders-quarterback-jayden-daniels-injury
