ASHBURN, Va. — Quarterback Marcus Mariota will get another start for the Washington Commanders, on Sunday against the New York Giants, after Jayden Daniels aggravated his elbow in last weekend’s loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
Coach Dan Quinn made the announcement Wednesday, but didn’t make any proclamation about Daniels’ status for the final three games of the season.
“No structural setback,” Quinn said. “However, through the medical evaluations over the last couple of days and into this morning, doctors advised us that we hold him this Sunday. … Really bummed for Jayden. He worked really hard to get back on the field with his guys.”
Daniels landed on his left elbow, the one he dislocated in Week 9, after throwing an interception in the third quarter. He attempted to tackle Andrew Van Ginkel, who picked off his pass, but was shoved out of the way by Vikings cornerback Isaiah Rodgers and used his left arm to brace his fall.
Daniels grimaced in pain on the ground for a couple of seconds, but then bounced up and headed to the sideline, where the team’s doctor and athletic trainers examined him on the bench. They removed the sleeve he wore on his elbow and looked at him further in the medical tent. He later emerged and watched the remainder of Washington’s 31-0 loss from the sideline as Mariota finished the game.
Quinn said afterward that it was his decision to keep Daniels out and that the quarterback was healthy enough to go back in if needed.
But the next day, back in Northern Virginia, Daniels underwent a precautionary MRI, according to a league source, which came back negative. There was no concern of a “long-term” issue, Quinn said, but Daniels was “sore.”
Quinn said Daniels would practice on a limited basis this week, and Daniels was on the field during the early viewing portion of Wednesday’s workout.
More Jayden Daniels at practice pic.twitter.com/PLJGPW2xPI
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) December 10, 2025
“Let’s see where we’re at next week,” Quinn said when asked if he anticipates Daniels returning in the final stretch of the season. “We’re always going to make the best decision for him, the team, what the medical opinions are.”
The Commanders (3-10) were officially eliminated from playoff contention last Sunday, but throughout Daniels’ recovery from his elbow injury, Quinn has said that, if he’s healthy, it’s important for Daniels to get game reps as opposed to sitting the rest of the season to avoid further injury.
After a historic rookie season in 2024, Daniels has dealt with three injuries this season, including a knee sprain and hamstring strain, and will have missed seven games, including Sunday in New York.
Injuries have wreaked havoc with the Commanders’ roster, costing 23 players a total of 108 combined games. That includes players who are on injured reserve and will miss Sunday’s game against the Giants, like tight end Zach Ertz.
