Commanders QB Daniels suffers elbow injury against Cowboys

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  John KeimSep 20, 2026, 06:23 PM ET

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  John Keim covers the Washington Commanders for ESPN. He joined ESPN in 2013 after a stint with the Washington Post. He started covering the team in 1994 for the Journal Newspapers and later for the Washington Examiner. He has authored/co-authored four books. You can also listen to him on 'The John Keim Report', which airs on ESPN Richmond radio.

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels was carted off the field in Sunday's game against the Dallas Cowboys after suffering an injured left elbow on the final play of the first half.

He was ruled out for the rest of the game.

Daniels' feet appeared to get stepped on by left guard Chris Paul as he took the snap on a third-and-goal from the 1-yard line. Daniels started to fall down and tried to brace himself with his left elbow, which then bent back.

Daniels flung a pass attempt and stayed on the ground. He got up, started to run off the field then went back down to the ground. He was looked at by medical personnel and surrounded by a number of teammates as well as coaches, including Dan Quinn. As he was carted off, Daniels sat up with a towel over his head.

Daniels had dislocated his left elbow last season in Week 9 against Seattle. He returned four weeks later but re-injured the elbow attempting to make a tackle following an interception in Week 14 at Minnesota. He did not play the rest of the season.

Sunday, Daniels had led the Commanders back from a 17-3 deficit by throwing a touchdown pass to Stefon Diggs and then leading them on a drive to end the first half. Washington decided to go for it on third and goal rather than kick a field goal with three seconds left.

Daniels completed 11 of 17 passes for 96 yards but hurt the Cowboys on the ground as well, resembling the player who was named the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2024. Daniels had rushed seven times for 69 yards on Sunday.