Jayden Daniels Is Back This Sunday, and the Commanders’ Season May Depend on It

The Washington Commanders are 1-3. Their franchise quarterback is expected to return this Sunday. If he plays, it may be the most important game of their season.

The Return

Head coach Dan Quinn said Monday evening that the team expects Jayden Daniels back in the lineup for Sunday’s game against the New York Giants, [according to The Athletic]. Daniels dislocated his elbow in Week 2 and has been out since.

The recovery looked more promising than a typical elbow injury would suggest. Washington never put him on injured reserve, which would have kept him out for at least four games. He flew to London with the team for the Colts game and [practiced in a limited capacity]. Quinn had said there was “a chance” he’d play in Week 4, but that he needed to be fully ready first. Daniels didn’t play in London, and the team waited one more week.

Why This Game Matters So Much

At 1-3, Washington has little margin left. The NFC East is rarely won with a slow start, and every loss makes the playoff math harder. The Giants are a division opponent, so this game counts twice: once in the overall standings and once in the tiebreakers.

The Commanders have had a rough month beyond the quarterback position:

– Daniels’ absence: The offense was built around his arm and his legs. Without him, it has struggled.
– Marcus Mariota’s knee: The veteran backup has [reportedly been dealing with a knee injury], so Washington’s depth at the position is thin.
– Defensive losses: Linebacker Leo Chenal had season-ending neck surgery after getting hurt in a game.

Daniels’ return doesn’t fix all of that. But he is the biggest single swing factor on the roster.

What to Watch Sunday

1. How he moves. Part of Daniels’ value is his ability to extend plays and run. A quarterback coming back from a dislocated elbow will be tested immediately on throwing mechanics and contact. Watch his release, his velocity on deep throws, and whether he’s willing to take hits or slide early.

2. Whether the coaching staff protects him. Quinn will want him effective but not exposed. Expect quick throws, designed rollouts and a heavier run game early. Washington may limit his designed runs until he proves he’s comfortable.

3. Rust versus rhythm. Even healthy quarterbacks need time to find their timing after a layoff. A slow first quarter wouldn’t be alarming. Three straight three-and-outs would be.

4. The offensive line. Daniels was hurt in Week 2, and protecting him is the first priority. If the line can’t hold up against New York’s pass rush, the risk of re-injury goes up.

The Bigger Picture

Washington’s season doesn’t end with a loss on Sunday. But a loss would put the team at 1-4, and that record gets expensive in a division race. A win would give them a real reason to believe the first month was an injury-driven detour and not a sign of something worse.

There’s also a longer-term concern. Daniels is the cornerstone of this franchise, and the organization has to balance getting him back on the field against protecting him for the years ahead. Quinn’s cautious approach, which kept him off IR but didn’t rush him into London, suggests the staff understands that.

Bottom Line

Daniels has been cleared, or close to it, and the team is expecting him on the field. The 1-3 record makes this a high-stakes comeback. If he looks like himself, Washington’s season is still alive. If he’s rusty or banged up again, the questions about 2026 get harder.

Note: This article is based on reports available as of October 7, 2026. Injury statuses can change before kickoff, so check the official Week 5 injury report and Sunday’s inactive list for the final word.*