Jayden Daniels is forgoing surgery for a dislocated left elbow and hopes to return this season, but will miss Week 3 and likely Week 4. Two NFL executives questioned the choice, citing contract risks and Washington’s playoff stakes.
The Athletic’s Jonathan Jones reported that executives from other teams were skeptical, though they do not have Washington’s medical information. One executive said he would not offer Daniels a long-term deal without surgery. Surgery would likely end Daniels’ 2026 season but leave him on track to be ready for Week 1 of 2027.
A second executive criticized an early return for a team he described as on the playoff fringe. The Commanders entered Week 3 at 0-2, with Marcus Mariota set to start against the Seattle Seahawks.
