Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels suffered a second dislocation of his left elbow after a goal-line mishap during a 37-20 defeat by the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Daniels was ruled out at half-time, with backup Marcus Mariota taking over for the second half.
The injury happened with three seconds left in the first half on third-and-goal from the Dallas one-yard line. Daniels stumbled after left guard Chris Paul accidentally stepped on his foot, causing him to fall and brace himself with his left arm. Head coach Dan Quinn confirmed after the game that Daniels had dislocated the elbow, while initial X-rays showed no fracture. Further imaging is expected to determine whether there is ligament damage and whether surgery is needed.
The injury also prompted a shocked reaction from Fox Sports analyst Tom Brady, who swore when a replay was shown during the broadcast before quickly apologising. Daniels had previously dislocated the same elbow during the 2025 season.
Daniels Injured On Final Play Before Half-Time
Daniels took the snap and was attempting to make a play near the goal line when Paul stepped on his foot. As he lost his balance, he put his left arm on the turf to break his fall, with the elbow buckling under his body weight.
Jayden Daniels was carted off vs. the Cowboys after going down with an apparent elbow injury.
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 20, 2026
Daniels tried to hold himself up as he was falling down and his elbow bent in an awkward way.
(📺 FOX) pic.twitter.com/dcTQLDgKws
Medical staff attended to Daniels before he was taken by cart to the locker room. The Commanders ruled him out for the rest of the game, allowing Mariota to start the second half.
Daniels completed 11 of 17 passes for 96 yards and a touchdown before leaving the game, while rushing for 69 yards. Mariota completed 11 of 16 passes for 111 yards and a touchdown in relief.
Washington fell to 0-2 with the loss in Arlington.
Same Elbow Injured During 2025 Season
The latest injury affects the same left elbow Daniels dislocated during Washington's game against the Seattle Seahawks on 2 November 2025. He missed the following three games before returning, then aggravated the elbow during a loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 14.
Daniels made seven starts during the 2025 season after also dealing with knee and hamstring injuries. His first NFL campaign in 2024 saw him win Offensive Rookie of the Year and lead Washington to the NFC Championship Game.
Jayden Daniels hurt the same elbow that he hurt last season.
— Hater Report (@HaterReport) September 20, 2026
Last Year This Year pic.twitter.com/fqtZZr2YG7
Quinn said Daniels would travel back to Washington with the team and undergo further imaging. He also expressed optimism that Daniels could return during the season, although no timetable had been established.
Tom Brady Swears During Injury Replay
Brady was working as a Fox Sports analyst when the replay of Daniels' injury was shown during the broadcast. After seeing the quarterback's elbow bend as he tried to brace his fall, Brady blurted out, 'Oh s***.'
He quickly apologised, saying, 'Excuse me,' before adding that he 'was not expecting to see that.' The exchange was subsequently circulated on social media following the broadcast.
Brady's reaction became a secondary talking point, but the immediate concern for Washington is Daniels' medical assessment. The initial X-rays showed no fracture, while further imaging will determine the extent of the injury and treatment required.
Washington's next game is against the Seattle Seahawks, the same team Daniels was playing when he suffered his previous left elbow dislocation in 2025.
