The NFL suffered a major blow in Week 2 after two of its young star quarterbacks, Jayden Daniels and Caleb Williams, were forced out of their games with injuries on Sunday, according to ESPN
Daniels, the Washington Commanders quarterback, suffered a dislocated left elbow during his team’s 37-20 loss to the Dallas Cowboys.
The injury happened late in the first half when Daniels was trying to make a play near the Cowboys’ goal line. He put his left arm down as he fell, and his elbow bent awkwardly.
Daniels was taken from the field on a cart and did not return.
The Commanders said initial X-rays did not show a fracture, but he was scheduled for further imaging to determine the extent of the injury.
Before leaving the game, Daniels completed 11 of 17 passes for 96 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed for 69 yards on seven carries.
Marcus Mariota took over at quarterback and threw a touchdown pass, but Washington could not overcome Dallas.
Caleb Williams also injured
Only hours earlier, Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams was also forced out of his team’s game.
Williams suffered a hamstring injury during Chicago’s 9-3 defeat to the Minnesota Vikings.
The quarterback appeared to hurt himself while trying to escape pressure in the fourth quarter. He was later helped from the field and taken to the locker room on a cart.
Williams completed 15 of 26 passes for 138 yards and also rushed for 42 yards before leaving the game.
Bears coach Ben Johnson said Williams would be evaluated further to determine how serious the injury is.
The Bears are scheduled to face the Philadelphia Eagles next Monday, making the results of Williams’ medical evaluation particularly important for Chicago.
Also Read: Myles Garrett Named NFL’s No. 1 Player for 2026 ahead of Josh Allen
Two young quarterbacks face uncertain futures
Daniels and Williams have been closely linked since entering the NFL.
They were the first two selections in the 2024 NFL Draft, with Williams going No. 1 to Chicago and Daniels selected No. 2 by Washington.
Both quarterbacks quickly became important figures for their franchises, making their simultaneous injuries a major talking point around the league.
For Washington, Mariota is expected to take over if Daniels cannot play. Chicago could turn to Tyson Bagent if Williams is unavailable.
The full recovery timelines for both quarterbacks will depend on the results of their medical evaluations.
Week 2 produces several injuries
Daniels and Williams were not the only notable players to leave games injured during Week 2.
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley suffered a neck injury but returned to the game, while tight end Dallas Goedert left with a knee injury.
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed also left Sunday’s game against the New York Jets with a neck injury and was taken from the field on a stretcher. Packers coach Matt LaFleur said Reed had movement in all his extremities and remained in the New Jersey area for further observation.
With Week 3 approaching, teams will now wait for medical updates that could determine how long some of their key players will be sidelined.
For the Commanders and Bears, the biggest questions will center on when Daniels and Williams can return.
written by @enock katamba
- Enock Katamba is a Ugandan Journalist and Founder of Uncovered UG, an independent digital news platform covering Uganda and international developments. He reports on politics, national affairs, entertainment, sports, business, education and other stories of public interest.
Latest entries
National News21 September 2026Tooro Coronation: Shs925 Million Needed as King Kijanangoma Preparations Intensify
NFL21 September 2026NFL Week 2: Jayden Daniels and Caleb Williams Suffer Injuries- National News16 September 2026Besigye treason trial: Witness says guns and money were already in Nairobi apartment
- National News15 September 2026Tooro ‘Rebel Prince’ David Kijanangoma Dies After Long Battle With Throat Cancer
