What happened: Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels will not undergo surgery for his dislocated elbow after consulting with specialists in New York and Los Angeles. The team has opted against an injured reserve stint, paving the way for him to return to the field in the coming weeks. He will wear a protective brace to support the arm.

Why it matters: Avoiding surgery preserves the possibility of a relatively quick return for the franchise centerpiece. Without an injured reserve designation, which would have mandated a four-game absence, Washington retains roster flexibility while evaluating his week-to-week recovery timeline.

What to watch: Marcus Mariota will start under center when the Commanders host Seattle on Sunday.