Jayden Daniels

Washington Commanders
Quarterback #5
FANTASY NEWS STATS INJURY

Jayden Daniels News RotoBaller

Jayden Daniels A Strong Start on Monday Night vs. 49ers

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels was largely excellent in his return to the field in Week 5 against the Giants after missing two weeks with a dislocated left (non-throwing) elbow. Daniels completed 17 of 25 passes for 199 yards and added nine carries for 103 yards and two touchdowns as a runner. It marked Daniels' second career game with 100 or more rushing yards as well as his second career game with two rushing scores. The third-year quarterback showed no effects from his injury, scoring 32.3 fantasy points, his most in a game since Week 17 of his rookie season. Daniels is trending up heading into a potential shootout with the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night, though the 49ers have been a stingy fantasy opponent for opposing quarterbacks through five weeks, allowing the fifth-fewest points per game (13.6). Daniels ranks as RotoBaller's QB7 for Week 6 and should be trusted in all lineups.

Oct 17, 2026 9:52 AM EST

Jayden Daniels Proves he's Back With Strong Week 5 Performance

Fantasy managers were a bit unsure what to expect from Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels in his return from a dislocated left (non-throwing) elbow in the team's Week 5 tie to the division-rival New York Giants on Sunday, especially with one of his top receivers, Stefon Diggs, sidelined with a hamstring injury. Daniels returned to form, going 17-for-25 passing for 199 yards, no touchdowns, and no interceptions, but he made plenty of noise with his legs, carrying the football nine times for 103 yards and two touchdowns. The 25-year-old former second overall pick from LSU also threw a successful two-point conversion. In three games so far in 2026, in his third year in the NFL, Daniels has thrown for 459 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions, adding 21 rushing attempts for 203 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. Daniels has averaged 20.9 fantasy points in his three games, which puts him as the QB8 overall. His risk of reinjuring his left elbow is real, but Daniels sets fantasy managers apart given his rushing abilities. Daniels will be on the QB1/2 borderline for the team's Week 6 tilt on the road against the 5-0 San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football.

Oct 15, 2026 10:25 AM EST

Jayden Daniels Facing Elevated Elbow Reinjury Risk

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (left elbow) will return Sunday against the New York Giants, but there remains concern about the possibility of another dislocation. According to ESPN, some doctors around the NFL believe Daniels is at higher risk after dislocating the same elbow twice in roughly 11 months. Some of those doctors have not examined him. Daniels did visit specialists in New York and Los Angeles, however, with the overwhelming opinion being that playing with a brace was a viable option. He practiced fully all week and has been cleared to start after missing two games. Daniels will wear the brace for the remainder of the season, and offensive coordinator David Blough said there will be no limitations in the game plan. Rookie Athan Kaliakmanis will serve as the backup with Marcus Mariota (knee) ruled out.

Oct 11, 2026 7:08 AM EST

Giants D/ST a Risky Start Against Commanders in Week 5

The New York Giants' defense was strong in Week 4, thanks in part to cornerback Deonte Banks' last-second pick-six. The Giants allowed 24 points and 270 yards to the Arizona Cardinals but forced three turnovers on Jacoby Brissett, including one that led to a 98-yard touchdown return, which sealed the 36-24 win. Through four games, the Giants D/ST ranks first in interceptions (six) and 10th in fantasy points per game (7.3). Now they face the Washington Commanders in Week 5, who will have their starting quarterback, Jayden Daniels (elbow), back in the lineup. This Washington offense ranks 16th in points (25.2) and 25th in total offense (299.0) but has given up only two turnovers in four games this season. While the Giants have been productive on defense, they remain a risky D/ST option in Week 5.

Oct 10, 2026 8:29 AM EST

Jayden Daniels is Not at 100 Percent

The NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that while Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) has been cleared to return in Week 5 against the division-rival New York Giants, he is not at 100 percent after dislocating his left (non-throwing) elbow in the Week 2 loss to the division-rival Dallas Cowboys. The Commanders might be rushing the former first-round signal-caller back a bit early after veteran backup Marcus Mariota (knee) suffered an MCL sprain in the Week 4 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in London. On top of Daniels not being 100% health-wise, he could be without his top two receivers in Terry McLaurin (hamstring) and Stefon Diggs (hamstring). Diggs has already been ruled out, and McLaurin is trending toward being a game-time decision. There are a lot of questions as to whether Daniels will be able to take a hit, and without all of his weapons, he becomes a dicey fantasy starter this weekend in his return. At best, Daniels should be looked at as a low-end QB1 as the Commanders take on the Giants.

Oct 9, 2026 4:59 PM EST

Jayden Daniels Officially Cleared to Play in Week 5

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) has officially been cleared to play in Week 5 against the division-rival New York Giants on Sunday, according to Zach Selby of the team's official website. Daniels is making his return to the Commanders' offense after missing the last two games due to a dislocated left (non-throwing) elbow that he suffered in the Week 2 loss to the division-rival Dallas Cowboys. Unfortunately, the 25-year-old will not have one of his top receivers, Stefon Diggs (hamstring), available this weekend, and he could also be missing Terry McLaurin (hamstring), who also did not play last weekend. The signal-caller's return is coming at a good time for Washington, though, after veteran backup Marcus Mariota (knee) suffered a sprained MCL in the Week 4 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in London. If McLaurin is ruled out for a second straight week, fantasy managers may want to consider fading Daniels and leaving him on the bench for another week as his receiving weapons get healthier.

Oct 9, 2026 9:06 AM EST

Jayden Daniels a Full-Go for Week 5 Against Giants

Washington Commanders offensive coordinator David Blough doesn't anticipate any game-plan restrictions for quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) in Week 5. Asked by ESPN's John Keim whether Daniels' return posed any challenges for the offense, Blough's answer was brief: "He's full go." Daniels has missed the past two games with a dislocated left elbow, but was a full participant in Wednesday's practice and is expected back Sunday against the Giants. He'll wear a brace on his non-throwing arm, which the team says won't interfere with his throwing motion. Daniels rushed 12 times for 100 yards across his first two games, and how much Washington asks him to use his legs will be of particular interest for fantasy managers. The Commanders have also been working on ways for him to protect his elbow when going to the ground.

Oct 8, 2026 7:25 AM EST

Jayden Daniels Expected to Practice in Full on Wednesday

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) is throwing again on Wednesday and is expected to be a full participant in practice, according to John Keim of ESPN. It is great timing for the Commanders, as veteran Marcus Mariota (knee) is expected to miss two to three weeks after spraining his MCL in Sunday's loss to the Indianapolis Colts in London. Daniels has been out the last two weeks after dislocating his left (non-throwing) elbow in the Week 2 loss to the division-rival Dallas Cowboys, but he was limited all of last week in practice and now appears to be a full-go. Unless the former first-rounder suffers a setback with his left elbow in practice this week, he should be expected to make his return and start this Sunday against the division-rival New York Giants. Despite developing an injury-prone label early in his career, the 25-year-old Daniels still has QB1 upside for his ability to rack up points with his arm and legs. He should at least be considered a low-end QB1 option again this weekend if he is cleared to face the Giants.

Oct 7, 2026 10:20 AM EST

Goal is for Jayden Daniels to Start in Week 5

The goal is for Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) to have a full week of practice and start on Sunday in the Week 5 contest versus the division-rival New York Giants at home, head coach Dan Quinn told Zach Selby of the team's official website. Daniels dislocated his left (non-throwing) elbow for the second time in the Week 2 loss to the division-rival Dallas Cowboys and has missed the last two games as a result. The 25-year-old former second overall pick from LSU returned to limited practice last week, though, and as long as he can upgrade to full practice this week, he should be in line to play this weekend. It is good timing for the Commanders, too, with veteran backup Marcus Mariota (knee) spraining his MCL in Sunday's blowout loss to the Indianapolis Colts in London in Week 4. Mariota is expected to miss some time going forward after spraining the same knee in the preseason, which means that Athan Kaliakmanis would serve as Daniels' backup under center if he returns to face the Giants.

Oct 5, 2026 2:28 PM EST

Jayden Daniels On Track to Return in Week 5

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (left elbow) will be a full participant in practice this week, head coach Dan Quinn said Sunday. Daniels was limited in all three practices last week before Washington ruled him out against the Indianapolis Colts. He has missed two straight games since dislocating his left elbow in Week 2 against Dallas. A full week of practice would put Daniels on track to return Sunday against the New York Giants, although he still needs to get through the week before Washington clears him to play. The timing could be important for the Commanders after Marcus Mariota aggravated his right MCL against Indianapolis and is expected to miss some time.

Oct 4, 2026 10:11 AM EST

Commanders Hopeful Jayden Daniels Will Return in Week 5 vs. Giants

Washington Commanders starting quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) could return in a Week 5 matchup against the New York Giants, The Ringer's Tom Pelissero reports. Daniels suffered a dislocated elbow injury in a Week 2 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. He missed the Week 3 victory over the Seattle Seahawks and has already been ruled out for the Week 4 game against the Indianapolis Colts. However, Daniels returned to practice this week, logging three limited practice sessions in a row. Daniels appears to be trending in the right direction. Marcus Mariota will remain the starting quarterback for the Commanders while Daniels is out.

Oct 3, 2026 6:50 AM EST

Jayden Daniels Ruled Out for Week 4

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) has been ruled out for Week 4's matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. Daniels dislocated his left elbow in Week 2's loss against the Dallas Cowboys. Despite limited practice this week, he will wait until after the Week 5 bye to return. In his career, Daniels has averaged 19.3 fantasy points per game, though he has left several games early due to injuries. With Daniels out, the Commanders will again rely on veteran backup Marcus Mariota. Mariota led them to an upset win over the defending champion Seattle Seahawks in Week 3 and will hope to add another win against the Colts in London. The next chance to see Daniels will be in Week 6 on Monday night against the San Francisco 49ers.

Oct 2, 2026 5:49 AM EST

Jayden Daniels Limited as He Works Toward Return

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) will be limited in practice this week, according to Tashan Reed. Daniels traveled with the team to London after missing Week 3 with a dislocated left elbow, and head coach Dan Quinn has not ruled him out for Sunday's game against Indianapolis. Washington is still taking things slowly with Daniels, who remains week-to-week and will wear a brace on the elbow when he returns. Getting him back on the practice field is another positive step, but there is still work to do before he's cleared to start. Marcus Mariota would remain in line for another start if Daniels isn't ready.

Sep 30, 2026 6:24 AM EST

Jayden Daniels Officially Traveling to London With Commanders

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) is making the trip with the team to London for the Week 4 contest in England on Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Daniels dislocated his left (non-throwing) elbow for the third time in less than a year in the Week 2 loss to the division-rival Dallas Cowboys, and he missed the Week 3 upset win over the Seattle Seahawks as a result. The 25-year-old is going to put off surgery on his elbow until the offseason, and he is even expected to return to the practice field this week. However, fantasy managers should not assume that a return to practice for the former second overall pick from LSU will mean that he will start under center in the international game this weekend. If he does not get the green light in Week 4, veteran Marcus Mariota will make a second straight start. Daniels still has high-end QB1 potential for his rushing and passing abilities, but durability has become a major question mark. We will have a better idea about Daniels' Week 4 status after the team's three practices this week from Wednesday through Friday.

Sep 29, 2026 3:41 PM EST

Jayden Daniels Could Have Offseason Elbow Surgery

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) will avoid surgery on his dislocated left elbow for now, but ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Daniels will probably require surgery after the 2026 season. With that said, Schefter does not believe that Daniels will be active for the Week 4 game in London on Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts, which would be his second straight missed game after dislocating his elbow in the Week 2 loss to the division-rival Dallas Cowboys. But Daniels is expected to return sooner rather than later, and head coach Dan Quinn said that he expects Daniels to be on the practice field in some fashion this week. The 25-year-old former second overall pick from LSU put on a show as a rookie in 2024 and led the Commanders to the NFC Championship, but he managed to play in only seven games last year after he dislocated his left elbow the first time. Daniels has high-end QB1 upside because of his dual-threat abilities at the position, but his inability to stay healthy has become a real concern in real life and in fantasy. If he is not cleared to play in London this week, veteran Marcus Mariota will look to lead Washington to a second straight win.

Sep 29, 2026 8:31 AM EST

Jayden Daniels Taking Another Step Toward Return

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) will participate in practice this week, according to Ben Standig. Daniels missed Sunday's win over Seattle after dislocating his left elbow against Dallas in Week 2, but Washington has kept him off injured reserve and considers him week-to-week. Surgery is not currently part of the plan. Head coach Dan Quinn has also said Daniels will more than likely travel with the team to London for Sunday's game against Indianapolis, though his playing status remains undecided. How much Daniels actually does in practice will matter, but getting him back on the field this quickly is an encouraging step. Marcus Mariota would make another start if Daniels isn't ready.

Sep 28, 2026 11:38 AM EST

Jayden Daniels Likely to Travel to London, Week 4 Status Unclear

Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn told Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer that injured quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) will "more than likely" travel with the team to the United Kingdom when they leave on Tuesday night. The Commanders play the Indianapolis Colts this Sunday, Oct. 4, in England. However, Quinn does not know yet whether Daniels will play in six days. But that there is even a chance for Daniels to play tells us that he might not be far off from returning after dislocating his left elbow again in Week 2. The 25-year-old former second overall pick in 2024 from LSU also suffered a serious left-elbow dislocation last year, and he ended up playing in only seven games in his sophomore campaign. Through two games in 2026, Daniels has thrown for 260 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions. In his absence on Sunday, veteran backup Marcus Mariota led Washington to an upset victory over the defending Super Bowl-champion Seattle Seahawks in Week 3. Daniels most likely will not be active in Week 4 in England, but he could make his return for a Week 5 divisional clash the following Sunday against the New York Giants.

Sep 28, 2026 8:08 AM EST

Jayden Daniels Should Return Within Three Weeks

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) is expected to return within three weeks, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. The former first-round pick underwent extensive testing after dislocating his elbow during last week's loss to the Cowboys, and medical experts determined that he'll miss no more than three games as part of his recovery. Rapoport notes that Daniels may end up wearing a brace on his shoulder during games once he does return. The 25-year-old had very modest passing numbers to start the season, but he salvaged his fantasy value with three touchdowns, zero turnovers, and 100 rushing yards through less than two full games. Marcus Mariota is expected to start at quarterback for now, but Daniels will return to the lineup as a low-end fantasy QB1 sometime in mid-October.

Sep 27, 2026 6:37 AM EST

Jayden Daniels Could Undergo Surgery After the 2026 Season

"Surgery remains a strong possibility" for Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) at the end of the 2026 season, according to Tom Pelissero of The Ringer. Daniels dislocated his left elbow during his team's Week 2 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, the same injury he suffered in Week 9 of the 2025 season. While Daniels will not play in Washington's Week 3 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, he has not been placed on Injured Reserve and could make a relatively quick return to the field. Pelissero reports that Daniels was "determined" to avoid immediate surgery, meaning that he will wear a brace and attempt to play through the injury. When healthy, the 25-year-old remains a high-upside fantasy quarterback thanks to his ability to produce as both a passer and a rusher. However, Daniels' shaky health outlook makes it difficult for fantasy managers to trust him going forward.

Sep 26, 2026 6:00 AM EST

Jayden Daniels Considered Week-to-Week After Meeting with Specialists

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) traveled to New York and Los Angeles this week, meeting with multiple specialists ahead of his and the team's decision to forgo surgery, according to NFL reporter Albert Breer. Daniels has been ruled out of the team's Week 3 matchup with the Seahawks after dislocating his elbow for the second time in as many seasons, but he is considered week-to-week, and the team has yet to make a decision on whether he will travel to London for the Commanders' Week 4 matchup with the Colts. Washington travels for that international game on Tuesday, which should give fantasy managers a much-needed clue to Daniels' status before waivers run in most leagues.

Sep 25, 2026 9:25 AM EST