Jayden Daniels (elbow) won't be placed on IR; Commanders GM says surgery 'not on the table'

Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters took an optimistic stance on Jayden Daniels’ recovery from his latest elbow injury.

“As of right now, surgery is not on the table, and we haven't discussed IR,” the GM said Friday morning on "The Sports Junkies" on 106.7 The Fan radio. "So it's just a matter of how we're going to get him back on the field. That's still to be determined."

Daniels spent the week consulting with specialists about the injury to gain clarity on the extent of his absence.

The most notable part of Peters' comment is that Washington doesn’t view injured reserve as an option right now, meaning the club expects the quarterback back sooner than a four-week absence that would be required if he goes on IR.

NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport and ESPN's Adam Schefter reported later Friday that Daniels will not be placed on IR, as Peters indicated. The former Offensive Rookie of the Year is considered week to week after undergoing imaging and consulting with multiple specialists.

Daniels went down at the end of the first half of Sunday’s loss to Dallas. After a lineman stepped on him, the QB tried to brace his fall with his non-throwing arm, which bent awkwardly. Daniels was later diagnosed with a dislocated elbow. Last year, Daniels’ season was also knocked off kilter and eventually ended by injuries to the same elbow.

Peters' comments don’t provide a clear timeline for Daniels returning to the field. Coach Dan Quinn said on Monday that the expectation is Marcus Mariota will start Sunday against Seattle. However, with Daniels not expected to land on IR, there is a shot the QB returns in the next few weeks.

Washington plays Indianapolis in London in Week 4, hosts the New York Giants in Week 5, and travels to San Francisco to face the 49ers in prime time in Week 6 before a bye.