Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels returns for Sunday’s Week 5 home matchup against the New York Giants at Northwest Stadium, stepping back into the lineup after a two-game absence caused by a dislocated left elbow.
The return of the second-year star offers an injection of energy for a Washington squad sitting at 1-3 overall and searching for traction in the NFC East. Daniels missed contests against the Seattle Seahawks and the Indianapolis Colts after sustaining the injury during a Week 2 loss to the Dallas Cowboys.
Jayden Daniels Returns With a Protective Brace
When Daniels takes the field on Sunday, his equipment will look a bit different. The quarterback will wear a bulky black brace over his left elbow, a protective device that keeps the joint permanently bent slightly and will stay on for the remainder of the season. Head coach Dan Quinn confirmed that Daniels will be a full participant in practice this week, and offensive coordinator David Blough noted that the quarterback is a “full go” with no limitations for the divisional showdown.
The decision to wear the brace follows a deliberate choice to forgo surgery on the joint.
This time I just knew what was at stake, went to all the different specialists and heard the opinions and, you know, kind of based my decision off there.
Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders quarterback
Despite the physical adjustment, offensive coordinator David Blough confirmed to reporters that the quarterback is a full go
for the weekend. ESPN reported that the coaching staff is looking forward to having him back in the huddle.
Commanders Look to Rookie Antonio Williams in Passing Game
Without McLaurin and Diggs, the passing game may look toward rookie Antonio Williams as a primary option alongside tight end Chig Okonkwo and running backs Rachaad White and Jacory Croskey-Merritt.
New York Giants Enter Division Clash Atop the NFC East
History favors the home team in this specific pairing, however. Daniels holds a 3-0 record as a starter against the Giants, having led Washington to back-to-back season sweeps in his young career while completing more than 70 percent of his passes, throwing for 668 yards and three touchdowns, and rushing for 147 yards across those three victories. The New York Giants arrive holding sole possession of first place in the division for the first time since 2015.