Commanders, Jayden Daniels avoid worst-case scenario with latest injury

While their 2025 season has gone off the rails, all hope is not lost for the Washington Commanders.

On Friday, NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) avoided a worst-case scenario after his Week 9 injury and won't require surgery to fix his dislocated left elbow. The update means Daniels will stay off injured reserve, and Rapoport mentioned the team will assess his status during its Week 12 bye, so he'll miss at least Washington's next two games.

Still, that's much better than season-ending surgery and offers the struggling Commanders some good news despite a four-game losing streak.

Commanders still have uphill climb to make playoff run

Washington hasn't won a game in over a month, with their last victory coming on Oct. 5 against the Los Angeles Chargers (6-3). They've lost their last three games by an average of 22.3 points, each by at least three touchdowns. Things might not improve much in Week 10 when the Commanders (3-6) host the Detroit Lions (5-3), who will likely be motivated by revenge after last year's divisional round playoff loss. Per BetMGM, the Lions are favored by eight points.

Daniels will also miss a much easier Week 11 road game against the Miami Dolphins (2-7). His availability after Washington's bye, when they face the Denver Broncos (Week 13), Minnesota Vikings (Week 14) and the Philadelphia Eagles twice (Weeks 16 and 18), will be crucial to keeping the team's faint playoff hopes alive.

Injuries have significantly impacted Washington's disappointing season, with Daniels also missing time due to knee and hamstring injuries. Wide receiver Terry McLaurin (quad) has appeared in only four games, while second-year wideout Luke McCaffrey (fractured collarbone) suffered a season-ending injury in Week 9 against the Seattle Seahawks. Running back Austin Ekeler tore his Achilles in Week 2.

The Commanders were nearly dealt a knock-out blow with Daniels. While they still might not get off the mat, they aren't finished just yet.