The Washington Commanders may need a little “magic” as they await clarity on Jayden Daniels’ injured left elbow.
The star 25-year-old quarterback dislocated the elbow during Sunday night’s game against the Dallas Cowboys. It is the second consecutive season Daniels has sustained the same injury; he missed four games after dislocating his elbow last year.
X-rays on Daniels’ elbow were negative, the team revealed Monday, though Washington is still collecting information before determining the next steps for its franchise quarterback. Marcus Mariota is already expected to start the Commanders’ upcoming matchup against the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks.
While the team evaluates Daniels’ condition, an encouraging update on his outlook came from an unexpected source: Los Angeles Lakers legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson.
Johnson posted on X Monday that he had spoken with Daniels, writing: “I just had a good check-in call with our @Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels! I was happy to hear that he’s in good spirits, and I’m praying for a safe and healthy recovery 🙏🏾”.
SEE ALSO: Maine Residents Push Back Against the Rise of Connecticut-Style Lobster Rolls
Johnson is a minority owner of the Commanders and has built a close relationship with Daniels since Washington selected the quarterback with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Hearing that Daniels is in “good spirits” does not provide the definitive medical update Commanders supporters and fantasy football managers are hoping for. Still, it offers some encouragement and could suggest that Daniels has a chance to return to the field relatively soon.