HERTFORDSHIRE, England — Jayden Daniels didn’t need to hear the full question to know what was being asked.
Does it change how you throw the ball at — ”Nope,” he responded.
How about handing the ball off? “Nope.”
It doesn’t make any difference? “Nope.”
The Washington Commanders quarterback likely knew most of the questions he’d face when he stepped behind a lectern Thursday for his first public address since dislocating his left elbow two weeks ago. He’s been through this once before, unfortunately, having first injured the elbow last November.
But unlike 2025, when Daniels missed three games after his initial elbow injury, the quarterback was back on a practice field this time only a week and a half later. He was a limited participant in the team’s “jog-through” Wednesday and its practice Thursday as the Commanders prepared for a Sunday (9:30 a.m. ET) meeting with the Indianapolis Colts.
“Everybody said I’d be good to go if I’m able to go out there on Sunday” he said. “But just taking it day by day.”
The media-viewing portions of both workouts, held outside the team’s hotel about an hour north of London, were limited to warmups and individual periods. But in both sessions, Daniels appeared much like he did pre-injury: throwing without any obvious discomfort and playing without hesitation.
The one obvious change was the large accessory on his left arm.
Jayden Daniels wearing his elbow brace at practice in London
Nicki Jhabvala
Daniels saw multiple specialists after the latest dislocation and was told he would be fine to return — but with a large brace over elbow to stabilize the joint and prevent another dislocation.
Unlike the brace he wore when he briefly returned from the dislocation last season, this one is bigger and more restrictive. It allows for full flexion, so he can still bring his wrist up toward his shoulder without it interfering. But it keeps him from fully extending, or straightening, his arm.
It’s a hindrance, but it’s also why Daniels says he’s not worried about a potential reinjury when he plays.
“That’s what the brace is for,” he said. “If I had concerns, I would’ve gotten surgery. … You have those conversations with the people that I need to have those conversations with, and if the surgery needed to be ASAP, then I got to do what’s best for me. But, obviously, we had those conversations and I’m blessed enough to go back out there on the practice field.
Daniels said there “wasn’t a conversation” about wearing a brace going into this season.
Typically, conservative treatment with an early bracing period during rehabilitation is recommended for “simple” dislocations (no fracture) without severely damaged ligaments. Although some studies suggest one dislocation can increase the odds of suffering another dislocation in the joint, rehabbing the joint without creating long-term issues can be a fine balance. Some studies have found that wearing a brace for longer than necessary can reduce arm function and lead to stiffness in the joint.
Daniels didn’t rule out the possibility of surgery after the season. Instead, he reiterated that he’ll seek the advice of doctors at that time and then decide what’s best for him.
The remaining question, however, is whether Daniels will play Sunday at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
“Just taking it day by day,” he repeated with a smile.
