Jayden Daniels elbow injury history: Inside Commanders QB's arm ailments that have derailed young NFL career

Commanders QB Jayden Daniels had a lost second season in the NFL, dealing with knee, hamstring and elbow injuries that kept him off the field more than he was on it.

Hoping for a bounce-back season, Daniels saw the same nightmare unfold again on Sunday.

The third-year quarterback suffered a gruesome injury to the same non-throwing elbow at the end of the first half against the Cowboys, requiring a cart to get back to the locker room.

Here's a closer look at Daniels' elbow injury history.

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Jayden Daniels elbow injury history

Nov. 2, 2025: Daniels dislocates elbow vs. Seahawks

Daniels first suffered a gruesome injury to his non-throwing elbow during a "Sunday Night Football" game against the Seahawks in 2025. The Commanders quarterback, who had already missed time with hamstring and knee injuries earlier in the season, appeared to be in serious pain as he gave way to backup Marcus Mariota once again.

Despite the gruesomeness of the injury, the news after the game was mostly positive. Because Daniels' injury was to his non-throwing elbow and there was limited damage, a quick return was possible. The second-year quarterback only missed three games (four weeks) before getting back on the field against the Vikings.

Dec. 7, 2025: Daniels shut down after aggravating elbow

The quick return didn't work out for Daniels, as he landed hard on his left elbow during an interception return by the Vikings and was shut down for the remainder of the season after the game.

Not a sight the Commanders want to see: Jayden Daniels throws an interception and then gets pancaked onto his balky left elbow. pic.twitter.com/EutuSQR2gw

While Daniels avoided re-dislocating the elbow, the Commanders made the decision to end his season knowing he had battled through knee, hamstring and elbow injuries.

Sept. 20, 2026: Daniels carted off with elbow injury

In an unfortunate twist of fate, Daniels suffered another gruesome injury to the same elbow at the end of the first half of Sunday's game against the Cowboys.

The Commanders quarterback stumbled back after being stepped on and tried to brace his fall by stretching out his left arm, but the impact forced a potential dislocation or hyperextension of his elbow. The injury left Daniels in serious pain, and he left the field on a cart.

The good news once again is that Daniels is dealing with an injury to his non-throwing elbow, which should allow for a much speedier recovery than an injury to his throwing elbow, the re-injury after four weeks last season could serve as a reminder for the Commanders to be cautious about bringing him back in the near future.