Commanders Get Good News on QB Jayden Daniels’ Elbow Injury
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Quarterback Jayden Daniels of the Washington Commanders.
Just about everything that could have gone wrong for the Washington Commanders has this season, with star quarterback Jayden Daniels‘ injury serving as the latest example.
Head coach Dan Quinn put the blame on himself for leaving Daniels in late into the second half during a blowout home loss to the Seattle Seahawks that dropped Washington to 3-6 on the year. The QB dislocated his elbow and left the field of play with it immobilized in a scene that served as a microcosm of the Commanders’ 2025 campaign after earning a trip to the NFC Championship Game in January.
But Daniels and company got some reasonably good news in the aftermath that the injury may not end his year.
Jayden Daniels’ elbow dislocation injury was grotesque, but because it is not his throwing elbow, there will not be a Tommy John UCL surgery. This injury is not career-threatening, and depending on the associated injuries, there is a slim chance it may not be season-ending.
“Jayden Daniels’ elbow dislocation injury was grotesque, but because it is not his throwing elbow, there will not be a Tommy John UCL surgery,” sports doctor David J. Chao posted to X on November 2. “The injury is not career-threatening, and depending on the associated injuries, there is a slim chance it may not be season-ending.”
Jayden Daniels’ Return May Depend on Commanders’ Playoff Chances
GettyQuarterback Jayden Daniels of the Washington Commanders
Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reported on Wednesday, November 5, that some of his sources believe Daniels could return before the end of the year.
“While some people I’ve talked to believe the injury might not be season-ending, exact timelines appear unsettled at this time. The team is not rushing a decision and wants to make a fully informed one,” Fowler wrote. “In the short term, the Commanders and Daniels must decide whether to place him on injured reserve (out a minimum of four games) and when exactly to bring him back.”
“One factor that looms large is Washington’s downward spiral sitting at 3-6,” Fowler continued. “Will the Commanders be motivated to place Daniels back into the lineup if the slide continues and the team is well short of playoff contention? The player and team must weigh that question.”
In the meantime, the Commanders will turn back to Marcus Mariota under center. Mariota has started three games this season and appeared in five, throwing for 639 yards, four TDs and four INTs on 63.6 percent passing. His record as the team’s starter is 1-2.
Commanders Have Yet to Add QB to Roster Since Jayden Daniels’ Injury
GettyWashington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn and quarterback Jayden Daniels.
The Commanders have three more consecutive home games with a bye sandwiched in between, which give them a better chance of remaining afloat in Daniels’ absence. However, two of those contests are next week against the Detroit Lions (5-3) and in Week 13 against the Denver Broncos (7-2) coming off the bye.
Josh Johnson, a 39-year-old veteran, is now QB2 behind Mariota. Washington might have considered dealing for a more game-ready signal-caller if Mariota struggles — such as Russell Wilson of the New York Giants, who would have been inexpensive from both trade return and salary standpoints — but that opportunity passed with the trade deadline on Tuesday.
The Commanders are likely to look to free agency at some point soon to add a third QB to the roster in case of an emergency need.
Seahawks’ Rashid Shaheed had ‘bittersweet’ reaction to Saints trade
The Seattle Seahawks made one of the NFL’s most notable midseason moves by acquiring wide receiver and return specialist Rashid Shaheed from the New Orleans Saints ahead of Tuesday’s trade deadline. Seattle sent its 2026 fourth and fifth-round draft picks to New Orleans in exchange for the All-Pro playmaker, who is in the final year of his contract.
Shaheed, who began his career with the Saints as an undrafted free agent out of Weber State in 2022, opened up about the trade during his introductory press conference in Seattle on Wednesday.
“It was a bittersweet feeling, a lot of excitement from my family and from me,” Shaheed said (h/t ESPN’s Brady Henderson). “I’m excited about the journey, excited to be here, and excited to be part of the organization. So far it’s been nothing but welcoming, just feeling good right now.”
So far this season, Shaheed has recorded 44 receptions for 499 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 11.3 yards per catch. His career totals stand at 138 receptions for 2,055 yards and 12 receiving touchdowns, along with a rushing score and two punt-return touchdowns. Renowned for his blazing speed, the 27-year-old has six career touchdowns of at least 50 yards and ranks among the NFL’s top ten in both air yards per target (13.63) and yards per reception (14.9) since entering the league.
Seattle’s decision to acquire Shaheed addressed both depth and explosiveness at wide receiver. The team had been short-handed, with Cooper Kupp (hamstring/heel), Jake Bobo (Achilles), and Dareke Young (hip) all recovering from injuries.
Offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, who coached Shaheed in New Orleans last season, sees him as a seamless fit for Seattle’s vertical passing scheme. His familiarity with Kubiak’s system should allow him to contribute immediately in motion, over-route, and post/corner concepts that exploit defensive spacing and maximize play-action opportunities.
Shaheed also adds another dimension to an already dynamic Seahawks offense. Quarterback Sam Darnold leads the NFL in yards per attempt (9.6) and yards per completion (13.7), while Jaxon Smith-Njigba sits atop the league in receiving yards (948) and yards per game (118.5). Seattle’s seven completions of 40-plus yards lead the league, and Shaheed’s deep-threat ability will stretch defenses even further.
In addition to his offensive role, Shaheed strengthens Seattle’s special teams unit. The 2023 Pro Bowl and AP first-team All-Pro returner posted 25 punt returns for 339 yards and a touchdown, along with 28 kick returns for 1,479 yards that season. Since entering the NFL, he has totaled 64 punt returns for 804 yards and 38 kick returns for 3,891 yards.
While the trade cost Seattle valuable draft capital, general manager John Schneider and head coach Mike Macdonald view Shaheed as both a short-term boost and a potential long-term asset.
The Seahawks (6-2) host the Arizona Cardinals (3-5) in Week 10.
