# Daniels' elbow injury threatens Commanders' season

> Washington's QB Jayden Daniels carted off field after elbow injury in Dallas game
- Title: Daniels' elbow injury threatens Commanders' season | Shortify
- Summary: Washington's QB Jayden Daniels carted off field after elbow injury in Dallas game Daniels' elbow injury could end Washington's season as backup QB struggles…
- Keywords: jayden daniels, washington commanders, elbow injury, nfl, dallas cowboys, marcus mariota, athen kaliakmanis, david blough, seattle seahawks, george pickens, cee dee lamb, dak prescott
- Source: The Banner — https://thebanner.com/sports/commanders-nfl/jayden-daniels-washington-commanders-GEPZFOWQHFFT7EZSLSDRGIVLDY
- Author: Kevin Reynolds
- Published: 2026-09-20T23:37:27.274+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: jayden daniels, washington commanders, elbow injury, nfl, dallas cowboys, marcus mariota, athen kaliakmanis, david blough, seattle seahawks, george pickens, cee dee lamb, dak prescott
## Daniels' elbow injury
Washington QB Jayden Daniels injured his left elbow during Dallas game and was carted off field with a towel over his head.

> Daniels dropped back on final play of first half and tripped over offensive lineman's foot
## Injury history
Daniels previously dislocated his elbow against Seattle Seahawks in 2025 and aggravated it against Minnesota Vikings.

> He tried to return three weeks after initial injury but aggravated it against Minnesota Vikings
## Commanders' loss
Washington lost 37-20 to Dallas with Daniels injured, dropping to 0-2 record.

> They fall to 0-2 with two divisional losses
## New offensive scheme
Washington implemented a new offense to protect Daniels from being hit, limiting scrambles and using pro-style attacks.

> New play-caller David Blough put him under center, limited his scrambles and taught him a pro-style attack
## Daniels' performance
Daniels ran for five first downs in critical moments including 7-yard scramble and 18-yard run.

> He ran for five first downs in critical moments: 7-yard scramble and 18-yard run
## Backup QB struggles
Marcus Mariota completed 11-of-16 passes for 111 yards but Washington scored only seven points in second half.

> The Commanders struggled to score seven points in second half
## Rookie backup
Rookie Athan Kaliakmanis remains on 53-man roster but has limited playing time.

> They felt strongly enough about Athan Kaliakmanis to keep him on 53-man roster
## Defensive challenges
Washington's defense struggled to contain Dallas receivers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens.

> Dallas went to Lamb early and often with six catches for 94 yards and a touchdown
## Key takeaway

Daniels' elbow injury could end Washington's season as backup QB struggles to match his production