Commanders QB Daniels Returns to Practice After Elbow Injury

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels returned to practice on Monday after missing three weeks with a dislocated left elbow, but he remains a long shot to play in Sunday's primetime matchup against the Denver Broncos. The 24-year-old, who has battled injuries throughout the season, expressed a strong desire to rejoin the lineup if cleared by medical staff, despite the team's slim playoff chances.

Daniels suffered the elbow injury on November 2 during a 38-14 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, when his non-throwing arm bent awkwardly while he braced for a tackle in the fourth quarter. The incident occurred with the Commanders trailing by 31 points, prompting coach Dan Quinn to later acknowledge it as a mistake to keep his starter in the game. Imaging revealed ligament tears but no structural damage requiring surgery, allowing Daniels to avoid injured reserve and preserving the possibility of a late-season return. He has now missed five games this year, including two due to a sprained left knee and one from a right hamstring strain.

In six starts, Daniels has completed 62.5 percent of his passes for 1,184 yards, with eight touchdowns and two interceptions. He has also rushed...