The past few days have seen Jayden Daniels consult with a number of specialists about his dislocated elbow. The worst-case scenario has been avoided. 
Daniels’ left (non-throwing) elbow was not injured as much as originally thought, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. No ligament damage was found upon further testing. As a result, surgery will not be required in this case. Rapoport adds Daniels is not heading to injured reserve at least for the time being.
Further assessments will take place during Washington’s bye week. The team has two games (at home against the Lions and on the road against the Dolphins) before that point. Backup Marcus Mariota will handle QB1 duties for at least those two contests. Part of how the Commanders proceed with Daniels past that point will no doubt be influenced by their record.
Washington sits at 3-6 on the year thanks to a four-game losing streak. A return to the postseason is far from certain as a result, and that will especially be true if the team drops even one of its two remaining games before the bye. If the season is essentially over by that point, there would be little upside to bringing Daniels back into the fold (even if that were possible). For now, attention will turn to Washington’s ability to stay afloat on offense without Daniels or top wideout Terry McLaurin in place for the time being.
Daniels played every game during the 2024 campaign, one in which he took home Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. This season has played out much differently on the health front, with last year’s No. 2 pick already missing time prior to his elbow dislocation. That ailment – suffered late in a blowout game – will hinder the Commanders’ chances of reaching the playoffs, let alone repeating 2024’s surprise run to the NFC title game.
Mariota has made three starts and five appearances this season in place of Daniels. Those figures will continue to rise as the 32-year-old guides Washington’s offense for the time being (potentially through the rest of the campaign). As a pending free agent, Mariota’s performances down the stretch will dictate his market value. Daniels, meanwhile, will look to rehab his injury without any procedure being necessary. Especially if he is not moved to IR, the door will remain open to a return at some point this season.