Commanders Fall 37-20 To Cowboys In Week 2, Jayden Daniels Suffers Left Elbow Injury

Abdullah Konte / WINsports

The Washington Commanders remained on the road in week two to take on NFC East rival, the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on Sunday. Both teams entered the matchup looking to bounce back from their season-opening losses and secure their first win of the year. But it was Dallas who came away with the victory, securing a 37-20 win over Washington.

For the Commanders, the loss was overshadowed by a major blow just before halftime when quarterback Jayden Daniels suffered a left elbow injury and was ruled out for the remainder of the game.

The injury occurred on the final play of the first half with three seconds remaining and Washington's offense at the Dallas 1-yard line. As Daniels took the snap, it appeared that left guard Chris Paul stepped on his foot, causing the third-year quarterback to lose his balance. Daniels reached out his left arm in attempt to brace his fall, and his elbow bent awkwardly as he went to the ground.

Daniels put forth effort to complete the play by throwing the ball as Cowboys defensive tackle Jonathan Bullard brought him down. Following the play, Daniels was seen holding his left arm and remained on the field in pain as Washington's medical staff rushed to him. He was eventually carted off the field with a cast on his arm and a towel over his head. Moments later, the Commanders ruled Daniels out for the remainder of the game.

Following Washington's loss, Head Coach Dan Quinn addressed the media and confirmed that Daniels suffered dislocation in his left elbow. X-Rays showed no fracture, but Daniels is expected to undergo additional testing on Monday to determine the extent of the injury.

However, this injury is especially significant for Daniels, given his history with the same elbow, that he injured twice last season. Daniels missed 10 games last season after dislocating his left elbow in the team's week nine loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

He then returned five weeks later but suffered another injury to the elbow against the Minnesota Vikings in week 14. That injury ended his 2025 season, placing him on the team's injured/reserve list.

Washington made an intentional move during the offseason by implementing a new offensive scheme. The goal in mind was to create a more versatile attack while reducing hits Daniels had to take in game play. However, within the first two games of the season, the offense has to struggled to find a consistent stride in production.

Before leaving Sunday's game, Daniels helped ignite Washington's offense and provided a spark for the team while the defense struggled to find their footing. In a 15-play drive that lasted more than five minutes, Daniels rushed for 24 yards on three scrambles which carried the Commanders to the Cowboys 1-yard line.

Washington had an opportunity to tie the game 17-17 before halftime, but two incomplete passes in the red zone kept the Commanders from scoring. The failed attempts set up the final play of the half, which ultimately led to Daniels’ injury.

Marcus Mariota took over for Daniels in the second half, in attempt to keep Washington’s offensive fight going. He completed 11-of-16 passes for 111 yards and even connected with wide receiver Stefon Diggs for a touchdown, cutting Dallas’ lead to 30-20 with under five minutes remaining.

The touchdown marked Diggs’ second of the game and his third touchdown through the first two games of the season. However, Washington’s late push wasn’t enough to create a comeback bid, as the Commanders fell on the road and Dallas secured its first victory of the season.

Washington will return home in week three to host the reigning Super Bowl champion, Seattle Seahawks at Northwest Stadium. The game will mark the Commanders’ first home game of the season, with kickoff set for 1 p.m.