Warner urges Commanders to let Daniels play through elbow injury

Key points

• Kurt Warner stated that Daniels could play through the injury, noting that he played through a similar left elbow dislocation in 2007 without long-term throwing issues.
• Head coach Dan Quinn confirmed Marcus Mariota will start in Week 3 against the Seattle Seahawks, as Daniels has no return timeline yet.
• Daniels dislocated his left elbow on the final play of the first half in a 37-20 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, marking his second such injury in two years.
• The Commanders are consulting specialists to decide between surgery, which would likely end the season, and non-surgical rehabilitation with bracing.
• Daniels missed three games after his 2025 injury and aggravated it upon his return, raising concerns about the risk of recurrence.

Background

Daniels previously dislocated his left elbow in Week 9 of 2025, missing three weeks and aggravating the injury upon return. The Commanders are currently 0-2 after losses to the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys. Marcus Mariota, 32, started in relief during the Cowboys game, completing 11 of 16 passes for 111 yards and a touchdown.

How outlets are covering it

NBC Sports highlights Kurt Warner’s opinion that Daniels can play through the injury, emphasizing that the left arm’s non-throwing nature may limit long-term impact. NFL.com and Hogs Haven focus on the medical uncertainty, noting that Quinn will defer to specialists and that the team has not discussed signing a veteran quarterback. Hogs Haven also notes that Quinn confirmed no fractures were found, but further imaging is required. ESPN’s source was unavailable, so no additional perspective could be synthesized from that outlet.

Why it matters

The decision on Daniels’ treatment will significantly impact the Commanders’ season outlook, as he is their primary quarterback and a key franchise player. If he misses time, Mariota’s performance and the team’s depth will be tested. The injury’s recurrence raises questions about long-term durability and the team’s risk tolerance for future seasons.

What to watch

Daniels will consult with specialists in the coming days to determine a treatment plan. The Commanders will play the Seattle Seahawks in Week 3, with Mariota starting. Whether Daniels will be available for the Week 4 game in London against the Indianapolis Colts remains uncertain.