Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels is not playing against the Seattle Seahawks today in Week 3 of the 2026 NFL regular season because of a dislocated left elbow.
Daniels was officially ruled out after missing practice throughout the week, leaving veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota to start for Washington against Seattle.
What Happened to Jayden Daniels?
Daniels suffered the elbow injury during Washington’s Week 2 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys.
The injury occurred on the final play of the first half when Daniels went down and attempted to brace his fall with his left arm. He was diagnosed with a dislocated left elbow, putting his availability for Week 3 in serious doubt immediately after the game.
Daniels did not practice Wednesday, Thursday or Friday ahead of the Seahawks matchup and was ultimately ruled out.
Is Jayden Daniels’ Injury Season-Ending?
There is encouraging news for the Commanders.
Daniels is considered week-to-week, and Washington has not placed its starting quarterback on injured reserve. Surgery is also not currently considered necessary.
That gives Daniels a chance to return relatively soon, although his exact timetable will depend on how his elbow responds during rehabilitation.
Washington will likely take a cautious approach with its franchise quarterback rather than risk aggravating the injury.
Who Is Starting at QB for the Commanders Today?
Marcus Mariota is starting at quarterback for Washington against Seattle in place of Daniels.
Mariota gives the Commanders an experienced backup who can operate the offense while also providing a rushing threat at quarterback.
Daniels’ absence nevertheless represents a significant change for Washington’s offense because of the dual-threat ability he provides as both a passer and runner.
When Will Jayden Daniels Return?
There is currently no confirmed date for Daniels’ return.
His week-to-week designation means his practice participation will be one of the biggest indicators of whether he can return for Washington’s next game.
Because the Commanders have avoided placing Daniels on injured reserve, the team has maintained flexibility for him to return without the mandatory absence associated with an IR designation.
Jayden Daniels Injury Status vs. Seahawks
Player: Jayden Daniels
Team: Washington Commanders
Position: Quarterback
Injury: Dislocated left elbow
Week 3 status: OUT
Replacement: Marcus Mariota
Return timetable: Week-to-week
Bottom Line
Jayden Daniels is not playing for the Washington Commanders against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 3 of the 2026 NFL season because of a dislocated left elbow suffered against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 2.
Marcus Mariota will handle the starting quarterback duties while Daniels continues his recovery.
The positive development for Washington is that Daniels has not been placed on injured reserve and is considered week-to-week, leaving open the possibility that the Commanders could get their starting quarterback back relatively soon.