Commanders QB Jayden Daniels Unlikely To Undergo Surgery

“He met with doctors all over the country,” general manager Adam Peters said during an appearance on 106.7 The Fan Friday morning. “We got a lot of good opinions. As of right now, surgery is not on the table and we haven’t discussed IR.”

A trip to injured reserve would require at least a four-game absence, but it was learned earlier this week that may not prove to be necessary in Daniels’ case. As a result, Peters’ remarks come as little surprise. Marcus Mariota is in line to handle starting quarterback duties for the time being, but a Daniels return within the next few weeks will be possible with IR not being considered.

In 2025, Daniels dislocated his left elbow. The former Offensive Rookie of the Year was limited to seven games due to that ailment and others last season, and his injury this past Sunday led to fears another lengthy absence would be in store. Instead, Daniels will take the non-surgical route once again with respect to his elbow. His ability to manage the injury will be key in determining when a return to action will take place. No firm timeline is in place at this point, Peters added.

Even so, today’s news is encouraging given the lengthy absence which would have been in store in the event of surgery. Now Daniels’ attention will turn to a short-term rehab process in advance of a return. Mariota will lead Washington’s offense in the meantime as the team aims to rebound from a winless start to the campaign. The Commanders are among the league’s 0-2 teams, and a home game against the defending champion Seahawks awaits for Week 3.

Mariota – now in his third season with Washington – totaled eight starts filling in for Daniels in 2025. That figure is likely to be much lower this year, provided Daniels can avoid further injuries upon returning to the fold.