Is Jayden Daniels playing today? Update on Commanders QB's injured elbow

Jayden Daniels is officially back for the Washington Commanders, head coach Dan Quinn confirmed on Friday, Oct. 9.

Daniels dislocated his left elbow during the team’s Week 2 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. While many anticipated the injury – which was an aggravation of an injury he suffered during the 2025 campaign – would sideline Daniels long-term, the 25-year-old has made a speedy recovery.

Quinn was asked about the value of getting his starting QB back for a Week 5 game against the New York Giants.

“Command at the line, that’s one for sure,” Quinn said. “The play-making ability, the third and fourth downs, all of those are part of what makes him special in that way. Love the accuracy that he throws with and the good job obviously taking care of the ball. That’s going to be premium in this game.”

Here’s what to know about Daniels’ injury, his status and Washington’s overall health at the quarterback position entering Week 5.

Commanders offensive coordinator David Blough effectively announced Daniels would be playing in Week 5 during a media availability on Thursday, Oct. 8.

“He’s full go, man,” Blough told reporters when asked about Daniels’ status. “We’re looking forward to having him back.”

Daniels is expected to wear a brace on his non-throwing elbow to protect and stabilize it.

Daniels’ return to the lineup won’t be the only shake-up for Washington’s quarterback depth chart. The Commanders also figure to have a new backup quarterback, as Marcus Mariota aggravated an MCL sprain in his Week 4 start against the Colts.

That will position seventh-round rookie Athan Kaliakmanis to move into the backup role behind Daniels. The Rutgers product played in relief of Mariota against the Colts, completing 15 of 33 passes for 186 yards, one touchdown and one interception.

Below is a look at the state of the Commanders’ quarterback depth chart entering Week 5:

1. Jayden Daniels
2. Marcus Mariota (injured)
3. Athan Kaliakmanis
4. Sam Hartman (practice squad)

It isn’t clear whether the Commanders will elevate Hartman from the practice squad if Mariota can’t play. The Notre Dame product is in his third season with the Commanders but has never played a regular-season snap for the team.

“We’ve got a lot still to figure out roster-wise,” was Quinn’s reply on Friday when asked about the team’s plan for Hartman.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Is Jayden Daniels playing today? Update on Commanders QB’s injured elbow