The Washington Commanders are in a tough spot with quarterback Jayden Daniels after he suffered another dislocated elbow in Week 2 against the Dallas Cowboys.
But if they decide on surgery, it must be now.
Anything less, and Daniels' ability to hit the ground running in 2027 could also be in doubt.
Dislocated elbows are as awful as they look. The more it happens, the more likely it is to recur. Daniels can play with a brace, which might be the play again, but it will restrict his movement and will always be on his mind.
If the Commanders and Jayden Daniels decide on surgery, it must be now
Daniels is consulting with specialists right now who will steer him in the right direction. He will be desperate to get back quickly, but if all parties decide to correct this problem with surgery, that has to happen immediately.
After a conversation with an orthopedic sports surgeon, Grant Paulsen of 106.7 The Fan concluded that the recovery time is anywhere from 6 to 12 months. If he plays with a brace and then has surgery after the campaign, that would place his status for the start of 2027 in doubt.
NYU Orthopedic Surgeon on Jayden Daniels' elbow dislocation: "My worry is that if this doesn't get stabilized, this might be more of a recurring type injury.. Bracing has been shown to help unstable injuries.. Sometimes surgery is indicated." pic.twitter.com/1kMabsFmAm
— 106.7 The Fan (@1067theFan) September 22, 2026
Just how much this will factor into the best way to proceed remains to be seen. Waiting is fine, and Daniels would then have time to heal correctly while focusing on being ready for Week 1 next year.
But if they don't do it now, then when?
These are not the debates Commanders fans wanted to be having just two games into the 2026 season. Daniels looked like his old self in Dallas, showing the same accurate passing and elite mobility that helped him take the NFL by storm as a rookie.
Now, more doubts have surfaced. And the next move is critical.
Jayden Daniels will want to get back quickly, but the Commanders cannot leave it up to him
Surgery now is waving the white flag on this season. Daniels won't want that, and neither will the Commanders. But if the specialists insist this is the best way to move forward, it can't be dismissed entirely.
It's the ultimate no-win situation for the Commanders.
If Daniels wears the brace and gets hurt again, they will be criticized. If he gets surgery and the problems come up again later down the line, they'll be criticized. And with pressure building on influential figures in the building, the complexities are clear to everyone.
The Commanders are reportedly hoping that Daniels doesn't have to go onto injured reserve. That is likely the player's preference, though listening to the advice given is paramount.
Surgery may be required at some stage. Washington and the signal-caller may also be looking to put it off until it is absolutely necessary.
The severity of his dislocation, whether there is any additional ligament damage, and the recovery timeline without surgery will be discussed in detail. But the bigger picture should also be kept in mind, because the Commanders cannot afford this problem coming up every year with their franchise player.
That comes with much bigger problems.
Just when it looked like the momentum might finally be turning in Daniels' favor, another dark cloud now hangs over the organization.
And this is a choice they simply cannot get wrong.
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