Jayden Daniels elbow injury leaves Commanders QB with tricky choice
USA Today • • sports
Key Points:
- Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels suffered a second dislocation of his left elbow on Sept. 20, 2025, raising the question of whether to undergo surgery or opt for rehabilitation as he did after his first injury in November 2024.
- Experts note that while Daniels avoided bone damage both times, ligament damage causes instability, and re-dislocation is rare but possible, making treatment decisions complex.
- Since the injury affects Daniels' non-throwing arm, surgery is not an immediate necessity, allowing for options such as bracing and strengthening, though the risk of recurrence remains a concern.
- Psychological factors and Daniels' mobility play a role in treatment decisions, with the Commanders' medical staff and Daniels himself weighing pain management, risk tolerance, and confidence upon return.
- Last year’s rehab attempt was unsuccessful as Daniels re-injured the elbow soon after returning, prompting consideration of surgery either now or after the season, but management remains individualized and not as clear-cut as other injuries like ACL tears.
