Commanders 'hopeful' to have Jayden Daniels back in Week 5

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Commanders 'hopeful' to have Jayden Daniels back in Week 5

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Oct 3, 2026 11:49 AM ET

The Washington Commanders could be getting their biggest offensive weapon back very soon.

Star quarterback Jayden Daniels was injured in Week 2 against the Dallas Cowboys. What looked like an injury that would keep Daniels away for quite some time has now turned into a short-term one that may cause the third-year quarterback to only miss two games.

Washington Commanders "hopeful" that Jayden Daniels plays in Week 5

According to NFL insider Tom Pelissero, Washington remains "hopeful" that Daniels will be able to return to his role as starting quarterback in Week 5 against the New York Giants.

Daniels missed Washington's games in both Week 3 and Week 4, but it is becoming more and more likely that those will be the only two games he misses after dislocating his elbow for the second time in as many seasons.

The Commanders are hopeful QB Jayden Daniels — who returned to practice this week with a brace on his balky left elbow — will start next Sunday against the Giants.

More in the Sweep: https://t.co/1GBRb85fBa pic.twitter.com/slFFzct7KN
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 3, 2026

Jayden Daniels not opting for surgery allowed for a quicker return

With two dislocated elbows in two seasons, surgery to repair things was certainly something that many thought Daniels would do. He instead, though, decided that he wanted to get back on the field as soon as possible and opted not to have surgery.

Instead, it appears that Daniels will be wearing a brace on his left elbow. The brace won't 100% prevent another injury to Daniels' elbow, but it should lower the risk of yet another elbow injury.

NFC East does not have a runaway team yet

Washington's win in Week 3 over the Seattle Seahawks allowed it the opportunity to remain competitive in an NFC East division that does not yet have a standout team.

If Daniels is able to return in Week 5 and perform the way he was in Week 2 prior to his injury, the Commanders will be right back in the thick of things in pursuit of their first NFC East title since the 2020 season.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

More must-reads: